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A tragic accident occurred in the Kingdom of Lesotho on June 21, 2025, involving a minibus carrying young women aged 12-17 and leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The vehicle was traveling to an activity in Maseru when it collided with two other vehicles, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of ten church members from the Maputsoe congregation in Northern Lesotho. Nearly eighteen others sustained injuries.
Elder Siyabonga Mkhize, a regional leader and Area Seventy, stated that church members are providing support to those affected by the incident. “It has been a difficult moment, but we are encouraged by their faith, their strength, and of course, the healing that some are already experiencing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Nelly Makatleho Moorosi, the national communication director for the Church in Lesotho, attended a gathering at the Maputsoe congregation along with members of parliament on June 22. She described it as "a very heavy moment" where family members and congregants who knew the victims gathered to mourn together. "Two speakers gave talks that were solemn and comforting to all of us who have been affected by this," she noted.
Elder Mkhize highlighted widespread support and condolences following the tragedy. “The government of Lesotho has also been very supportive," he said. "The prime minister and the Queen passed messages of condolences and offered their help to all affected.” He added that the Church is working closely with local authorities to provide necessary support.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed his sentiments via social media: “Our faith points us to seek peace in Jesus Christ as we strive to minister to these families in their time of need.”
Following this incident, which resulted in several fatalities and injuries among church members en route to a youth activity, church leaders including Carlos A. Godoy, Denelson Silva, and Vaiangina Sikahema have been actively offering spiritual and emotional support while coordinating care for those injured.
