The tragic aftermath of a catastrophic school bus collision in South Africa has deepened, with authorities confirming the death toll has now reached fourteen. This devastating update comes as the bus driver involved in the incident faces a severe escalation of legal charges, including multiple counts of murder.
Fatal Collision Claims More Young Lives
Two teenage girls, who had been fighting for their lives in hospital following Monday's horrific crash, passed away from their injuries on Thursday. According to official statements, one of the students died in intensive care at Sebokeng Hospital, while another succumbed at a private medical facility. Their deaths elevate the total number of fatalities from the collision to fourteen, marking one of the most severe road tragedies involving schoolchildren in the region's recent history.
Details of the Devastating Incident
The collision occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, around 7 a.m., in the Gauteng province south of Johannesburg. A private minibus, transporting sixteen students to various primary and high schools, collided with a truck. The immediate impact was catastrophic, with twelve children pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. This group included five students, the bus driver, and a passenger from the truck. Medical authorities have since discharged three of the injured, but two children remain hospitalised, their conditions a continued source of concern for families and officials.
Legal Proceedings Intensify for Bus Driver
The legal ramifications for the bus driver, identified as 22-year-old Ayanda Dludla, have intensified dramatically. Initially, police indicated he would face several counts of culpable homicide. However, following the additional fatalities, the National Prosecuting Authority announced a significant upgrade to the charges on Thursday.
Dludla now confronts fourteen counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an additional charge of driving without a professional license. He appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court, where he declined to apply for bail. The case has been adjourned until the 5th of March to allow for further police investigation and evidence gathering.
Community and Nation in Mourning
This tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community and across South Africa, raising urgent questions about road safety, particularly for school transport. The loss of so many young lives in a single incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of vehicle regulations and driver licensing. As the legal process unfolds, the families of the victims and the wider public await answers, while the nation mourns a profound and preventable loss.
