At least 13 children have been killed in a collision between a truck and a school minibus in South Africa's Gauteng province, authorities said on Monday. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in the southwest of Johannesburg, as the private vehicle was transporting students to various primary and high schools.
Preliminary reports indicate that 11 schoolchildren died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Witnesses reported that the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with the truck. Police are investigating the incident and will question the truck driver.
Provincial education minister Matome Chiloane told reporters that the driver of the school bus would also be investigated for possible reckless driving. Gauteng Emergency Services transported five patients to Sebokeng Hospital and two others to Kopanong Hospital for further medical care. The bus driver, who was injured, was among those taken to hospital.
Parents were seen weeping uncontrollably at the scene, as emergency services collected books and stationery. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness, stating that national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to families and schools. “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,” he said.
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube noted that many accidents involving school transport are caused by driver error, and called on the Department of Transport to ensure that vehicles used for school transport are roadworthy.
