A bus accident in a mountainous region of South Africa has killed 45 people.

South African authorities said on Thursday that the bus with 46 people onboard, including the driver, hit rocky ground and caught fire after falling about 50 meters from a bridge in the northern province of Limpopo.

Officials say an eight-year-old child survived the crash with serious injuries, and is receiving treatment at a hospital.

South Africa's Department of Transport says the driver lost control and collided with barriers, causing the bus to go over the bridge.

The bus was reportedly carrying people from Botswana to a church in Limpopo for Easter services.