Thirteen Primary School Students Die after Overloaded School Minibus Collides with Truck
A tragic road accident involving an overloaded scholar transport vehicle has claimed the lives of 13 primary school pupils in Vanderbijlpark, sending shockwaves through the community and the nation at large.
Authorities have confirmed that the minibus was carrying 18 occupants, including the driver, despite being legally allowed to transport only 14 people.
Vanderbijlpark Deadly Accident Occurred During Morning School Run
The crash happened on Monday morning while the vehicle was ferrying learners to school. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver allegedly attempted to overtake several vehicles on the freeway before colliding head-on with an oncoming truck.
Eleven pupils were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to 13. The remaining learners continue to receive medical care.
The pupils involved were from private and public schools, including Vaal High School, Vaal Primary School, Sun Crest High and El-Shaddai.
Driver Previously Warned for Negligent Driving
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
It has also emerged that the driver of the scholar transport vehicle had reportedly received a warning for negligent driving just a week before the fatal accident.
Police and emergency services remained at the scene for several hours as forensic teams worked to reconstruct the events leading to the collision.
Families Gather as Community Mourns
Parents of the deceased children gathered at the scene from the early hours of the morning and are expected to formally identify their children once the area is fully cleared by authorities.
An outpouring of grief and condolences has followed the tragedy, with community members, civic leaders and organisations expressing shock at the loss of young lives.
Ramaphosa Leads National Condolences
President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the nation in mourning the learners, describing the incident as a devastating blow to families, schools and the country.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets.
We must do all we can – from obeying the rules of the road to ensuring accountability in scholar transport services – to protect the lives of learners,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement.
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The post Thirteen Primary School Students Die After Overloaded School Minibus Collides with Truck appeared first on iHarare News.
