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| Accident Scene |
The tragic incident occurred around 07:00 local time near Vanderbijlpark, an industrial city roughly 60 kilometres from Johannesburg, as the pupils were being taken to school. Authorities say the driver of the minibus appeared to lose control while attempting to overtake other vehicles, resulting in a head-on collision with the truck.
Initially, emergency responders recorded 11 fatalities at the scene. However, the toll later rose to 13 after two of the injured children died in hospital, the provincial education department stated. Several other pupils sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment.
Police have launched a formal investigation into the crash. Details about the exact ages of the victims have not been disclosed, but officials indicated the children were from both primary and secondary schools, meaning some were as young as six years old.
Heart-rending images shared on social media showed the crushed minibus by the roadside, with distraught parents gathered behind police tape. Many were seen weeping openly as officials worked at the scene.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the collision as a “terrible scene,” acknowledging the deep sorrow felt across the community.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families and friends of the victims in a statement. He emphasised that “everything must be done” to enforce road-safety measures and improve the quality and safety of school transport services in South Africa.
The country has long struggled with road safety issues, with a high number of fatal crashes linked to speeding, reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles. Many parents rely on privately operated minibuses to take their children to and from school due to limited public transport options, a situation that adds to concerns about road safety nationwide.
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