A devastating collision between a scholar transport vehicle and a truck yesterday morning near Vanderbijlpark has claimed the lives of 14 people, with several pupils remaining hospitalized in critical condition.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed the rising death toll in an interview yesterday evening, stating that the 14th victim was a learner who had succumbed to injuries in hospital.
“They are critical but stable and they are still in hospital indeed,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said of the surviving children. “It’s a sad situation that we had to lose another one… but the doctors are still trying to save those that are in the hospital.”
The MEC described a coordinated emergency response, with the Gauteng Premier and Education MEC attending the crash scene while she proceeded directly to the hospital to receive casualties. Victims were transported to Kopanong Hospital, where five people—including the driver and assistant driver of the scholar transport—were admitted alongside four learners.
The condition of the two drivers remains severe. “He’s not able to speak at the moment. Both of them, the driver and the assistant driver,” the MEC reported, indicating that investigators have not yet been able to obtain their accounts of the crash.
With visible emotion, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko appealed for greater road safety, particularly for those transporting children. “They must try to drive carefully on the roads because they know that they are carrying those precious things,” she said. She linked the tragedy to possible reckless behavior, stating, “We end up like this because of the people that had to be reckless on the road.”
The process of identifying the deceased is ongoing. The MEC confirmed that nine victims had been identified by yesterday afternoon, with forensic pathology services preparing to conduct expedited DNA testing on the remaining victims to assist grieving families. Psychosocial support and counselling services have been activated for the families.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. The MEC indicated that the MEC for Transport would be addressing issues of driver conduct, referencing a recent meeting on the subject.
At the conclusion of the interview, the MEC declined to comment on an unrelated political question regarding a separate investigation into a local mayor, stating she was unaware of the allegation and that her focus remained on the crash response.
The community of Vanderbijlpark and surrounding areas are mourning one of the worst road tragedies in the region’s recent history.