The total number of deaths in the horrific crash involving a scholar transport in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 13.
The increase in the death toll was confirmed by the Gauteng education department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, who stated that one of the critically injured learners later died while receiving medical treatment.
An earlier statement had stated that 12 children had died, while three learners sustained critical injuries and were rushed to local hospitals.
Scholar transport driver hospitalised
Mabona emphasised that investigations are ongoing, adding that it is believed that the scholar transport collided with a side tipper truck.
The scholar transport driver has also been admitted to the hospital.
“The Gauteng department of education wishes to confirm that the death toll in the tragic scholar transport accident that occurred on Monday in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 13 learners.
“At the time of issuing the earlier statement, 12 learner fatalities had been confirmed. A further learner has since succumbed to injuries, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 13,” said Mabona.
Matome Chiloane, the MEC for education, described the day as tragic for the department and Gauteng. He sent his condolences to the bereaved families.
Ramaphosa sends condolences to families
“It is a really tragic day for us as the department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected.
“We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transports,” said Chiloane.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also sent his condolences, noting that the accident happened on the same day that the South African Human Rights Commission published the scholar transport report in North West.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets, and we must do all we can—from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars—to protect learners,” said Ramaphosa.
