Authorities have now confirmed new details following the scholar transport accident near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, which ended with 13 scholars losing their lives. Police said the Toyota quantum involved was overloaded, carrying 18 occupants despite being certified to transport only 14. The driver of the scholar transport has also been identified as 22 year old male. He has been hospitalised and will be formally questioned once medically cleared. Concerns have since emerged with information suggesting he did not have a professional driving permit (PDP) which is yet to be confirmed by officials. Sources confirmed that the driver had been previously warned by other road users for unsafe driving behaviour.
It is believed that he tried to overtake four vehicles. The truck driver survived but remains unconscious while several learners continue receiving medical care. The learners were from both private and public schools namely, Vaal high, Vaal primary, Suncrest and El-Shaddai Christian School.
Investigations are still at an early stage, and recovery process at the scene was marked by intense grief as families gathered while the forensic team removed the young bodies.
Condolences have continued to pour in from across the country, as pressure mount for stronger enforcement of scholar transport safety regulations.
