Tragedy in Lesotho: LDS Church Bus Crash Claims Lives, Injures Others During Youth Activity Trip

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — June 21, 2025 — A devastating accident over the weekend has left the global Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community mourning after a bus carrying Church leaders and youth members crashed in the Kingdom of Lesotho, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The tragic event occurred during a Church-organized youth activity, the Church confirmed in a statement released Saturday.

The bus, transporting local Church leaders and young women to a scheduled youth activity, was involved in a multi-vehicle collision. While details remain scarce, the Church has acknowledged the incident’s grave toll, confirming that several individuals were killed, though the exact number and identities of the deceased have not yet been made public.

It remains unclear whether the fatalities included members of the Church on board the bus. The crash site, located in southern Africa’s landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho, prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and solidarity from Church leaders and members around the world.

Statement from Church Leadership

In the aftermath of the crash, the Africa South Area Presidency released a heartfelt message expressing sorrow and solidarity with those affected:

“Our hearts are heavy, and we are saddened by this tragic accident. We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to the many families and friends who have been impacted by this tragedy. We mourn the lives of those who have passed, and we pray that we may all feel the love, peace and healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ, during this difficult time.”

The Church further stated that local leaders and area representatives are actively ministering to those impacted, both spiritually and emotionally. Teams on the ground are coordinating care for the injured, working with medical professionals and local authorities to ensure families receive the support they need in this time of heartbreak.

Elder Rasband Offers Condolences

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a senior leader in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared his condolences on social media, joining the global Church community in prayer and mourning:

“My heart aches for the families affected by the tragic accident in Lesotho. May they feel the comforting arms of our Savior around them, and may we join in lifting them through our prayers, love, and support. In times of sorrow, our faith must shine ever brighter.”

His message quickly garnered thousands of responses from Church members and others around the world, many offering prayers for the victims and gratitude for the support being offered.

Community Mourning and Support

Across Lesotho and the broader southern Africa Church community, news of the crash has reverberated deeply. Church members and leaders have gathered in prayer meetings and vigils, expressing both grief and a shared sense of purpose to support one another during this difficult time.

Local stakes and wards in Lesotho are reportedly coordinating spiritual care, logistical aid, and trauma counseling for survivors and bereaved families. Leaders from Salt Lake City have also been in close communication with those on the ground.

While the Church has a growing and vibrant membership in Lesotho and southern Africa, this tragedy stands as one of the most serious transportation-related losses involving Church members in recent memory.

Investigation and Ongoing Updates

Local authorities in Lesotho, along with representatives from the Church, are conducting a formal investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the incident involved multiple vehicles and occurred in a rural area where road safety is an ongoing concern.

Emergency responders acted quickly, transporting injured individuals to nearby hospitals and beginning the arduous task of identifying victims. The Church has indicated it will release further information once next-of-kin notifications are completed and more details are confirmed.

A Call for Unity and Prayer

As the global Latter-day Saint community absorbs the weight of this tragedy, Church leadership is encouraging members everywhere to hold the people of Lesotho in their thoughts and prayers. Special fasts, prayer meetings, and temple services are being organized in various parts of the world in memory of the deceased and in support of the injured.

In the words of the Africa South Area Presidency, “We believe in the eternal nature of the soul, and in the healing power of faith. As we mourn together, may we also stand together — in love, in unity, and in hope.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has pledged continued support for those impacted and urges members to respect the privacy of the families involved as they navigate the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

Further updates will be shared as official information becomes available.