A devastating school transport accident in Vanderbijlpark resulted in the deaths of at least 13 children after a head‑on crash between a school minibus and a truck on Monday morning. The police have opened multiple culpable homicide cases and are investigating the scene. They are planning to question the truck driver. The Department of Education released a statement offering condolences to the affected families and school communities. The incident has sparked serious concerns about road safety for children travelling to and from school, especially in areas with heavy traffic and narrow roads.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed concerns about reckless driving and scholar transport safety following the tragic accident. He emphasised that parents and schools need to be more vigilant. “I have always said I would rather have my kids arrive late than never”. Chiloane encourages pupils to speak up if they feel unsafe while commuting, advising them to report issues such as drivers speeding. He also stressed that law enforcement should take decisive action against unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles, suggesting drivers be arrested if necessary.
The MEC confirmed the scholar transport driver was hospitalised, while the truck driver’s status is unclear.
