Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was “deeply devastated” on Monday after a tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark claimed the lives of 12 learners, marking one of the deadliest school-related road incidents in the province in recent years.
The accident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Fred Droste Road when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a side tipper truck. According to preliminary reports, 11 learners were certified dead at the scene, while a 12th learner later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Three other learners sustained critical injuries and are receiving urgent medical care at local hospitals.
The driver of the scholar transport vehicle was also hospitalised. The condition and status of the truck driver were not immediately clear.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Chiloane visited the scene of the accident to assess the situation, engage with emergency services and offer support to the affected families.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“It really is a tragic day for us as the Department and the province,” MEC Chiloane said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport.”
Speaking after visiting the scene, Chiloane described the emotional toll of the incident. “I stood at the accident scene on the N1 in Vanderbijlpark alongside Premier Panyaza Lesufi, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,” he said. “We are devastated by the loss of all the learners who were involved, young lives taken far too soon. There are no words that can ease the pain of the families, friends, teachers and communities who are grieving tonight. We mourn with you, we stand with you and we commit to walking this painful journey together.”
Emergency and health services continue to provide support to the injured learners, while authorities work to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the collision.