At least 13 schoolchildren lost their lives on Monday morning, January 19, after a truck collided with a school minibus in Gauteng province, South Africa. The accident occurred in the industrial city of Vanderbijlpark, where five other pupils suffered critical injuries and were rushed to hospital, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Initial reports revealed that 11 children died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Authorities said the minibus, a privately operated vehicle, was transporting learners to various primary and high schools in the southwest of Johannesburg when the crash happened at about 7 a.m.
Eyewitnesses reported that the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the truck driver will be questioned as part of the inquiry.
Gauteng Emergency Medical Services transported five injured pupils to Sebokeng Hospital, while two others were taken to Kopanong Hospital. The bus driver was also injured and received medical treatment.
Scenes of grief unfolded at the crash site as distraught parents wept while emergency responders collected scattered schoolbooks and stationery. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, assuring that national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to affected families and schools.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets, and we must do everything possible—from obeying road rules to ensuring the quality of scholar transport services—to safeguard their lives,” Ramaphosa said.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube noted that many school transport accidents are linked to driver error and urged the Department of Transport to ensure that vehicles used to carry learners are safe and roadworthy.
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