Tragic Accident in South Africa: Twelve Schoolchildren and Driver Killed in Minibus Fire
Twelve schoolchildren and their driver lost their lives on Wednesday in Gauteng province, South Africa, when their minibus overturned and caught fire. The accident occurred in the town of Merafong, west of Johannesburg, a day after schools reopened following the winter holidays.
The collision, involving a small truck known locally as a bakkie, caused the minibus to overturn and burst into flames. Seven other children were injured in the accident and were taken to a hospital in nearby Carletonville.
Education and transport officials, along with Gauteng provincial government head Panyaza Lesufi, visited the crash site and the injured children. Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng education department, reported that 11 of the deceased children attended Rocklands Primary School, while the twelfth child was a student at Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville.
“The pupils’ transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently catch fire,” Mabona explained, calling the incident a “horrific accident.”
In Gauteng, thousands of schoolchildren depend on private minibuses for daily transportation to and from school. Many others use public transport, including municipal buses and taxis. The tragic accident underscores the dangers faced by schoolchildren who rely on these transport methods.