A devastating head-on collision between a school minibus and a truck in Gauteng province has resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 schoolchildren, marking one of South Africa’s most severe educational transport accidents in recent memory. The catastrophic incident occurred approximately at 7 a.m. on Monday during morning transportation operations in the southwestern region of Johannesburg.
According to preliminary investigations by emergency response teams, 11 children lost their lives immediately at the accident scene, while two additional students subsequently succumbed to critical injuries after emergency medical transfers to nearby healthcare facilities. The private minibus was actively engaged in transporting students to multiple primary and secondary educational institutions when the collision transpired.
Eyewitness accounts provided to law enforcement officials indicate the school transport vehicle was attempting to overtake stationary traffic when it directly collided with the oncoming truck. Gauteng Emergency Medical Services coordinated the immediate response, transporting five critically injured patients to Sebokeng Hospital and two others to Kopanong Hospital for specialized trauma care. The minibus driver, who also sustained injuries in the catastrophic impact, remains under medical supervision.
Provincial Education Department Minister Matome Chiloane confirmed both drivers will face comprehensive investigations, with particular scrutiny directed toward potential reckless operation of the school transport vehicle. Concurrent police investigations are examining all contributing factors to the tragic collision.
Distressing scenes unfolded at the accident location as grief-stricken parents arrived, with many overcome by emotional devastation. Emergency personnel were observed recovering scattered educational materials and personal belongings from the crash site.
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued an official statement expressing profound national sorrow, emphasizing that “our children represent the nation’s most precious assets” while calling for enhanced road safety measures and improved transportation standards. The national government has committed to providing comprehensive psychosocial support services to affected families, schools, and communities.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube highlighted concerning patterns in school transport safety, noting that numerous accidents result from driver error while urging the Transportation Department to intensify vehicle roadworthiness verification processes for all educational transport providers.