Forty-five people have been killed in South Africa after a bus plunged into a ravine before catching fire on Thursday, authorities in the country said.

According to reports, the passengers were travelling from Botswana on a pilgrimage to attend an Easter service in South Africa when the incident occurred.

The incident occurred in Limpopo province in the northeast of the Southern African country, with an eight-year-old child reported to have survived, as per local media.

Speaking about the accident, South Africa’s Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who visited the scene, offered her condolences to the victims, just as she asked people to be alert while driving during the Easter period.

“I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash,” Ms Chikunga said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend,” she added.