A tragic collision between a truck and a school minibus in South Africa’s Gauteng province has killed at least 13 children. The incident occurred on Monday morning as the private vehicle was transporting students to various schools southwest of Johannesburg.
According to preliminary reports, 11 children died at the scene. Two others succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Witnesses stated the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with the truck.
Emergency services transported seven injured individuals, including the bus driver, to local hospitals for treatment. Police have opened an investigation and will question the truck driver.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sadness, calling children the nation’s “most precious assets.” He pledged that national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to the affected families and schools.
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The tragedy has reignited concerns about road safety and transport standards. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube attributed many school transport accidents to driver error and called on the Department of Transport to ensure all vehicles carrying children are roadworthy.
