Twelve children tragically lost their lives in South Africa on Wednesday when a minibus transporting them to school near Johannesburg overturned and caught fire after being struck by another vehicle.
Authorities reported that the driver of the minibus also died, and seven other children were hurried to the hospital. Images from the scene in Merafong, over 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of Johannesburg, showed the minibus engulfed in flames, with charred schoolbook pages strewn across the road as police investigated.
“The Gauteng government confirmed that a private scholar transport minibus was involved in a devastating accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 learners and their driver,” stated a government release.
While specific ages of the children were not immediately provided, it was noted that most attended a primary school, typically accommodating students aged six to 13.
“They were burnt beyond recognition. Forensics will need to assist in identification,” said Sello Maremane, spokesperson for the Gauteng traffic police department, to AFP.
Initial reports indicated that the minibus was rear-ended by a small pickup truck, causing it to overturn and ignite. The driver of the pickup truck was also hospitalized. By late afternoon, most of the injured children had been discharged from the hospital.
“This tragic event deeply saddens me,” remarked Matome Chiloane, Gauteng’s education minister, at the accident site.
South Africa, despite its advanced road infrastructure, grapples with one of the continent’s poorest road safety records, attributed in part to reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles.
“I have always emphasised to parents the importance of checking the condition of the vehicles we entrust our children to,” added Chiloane.
Many South African parents rely on private minibuses for their children’s transportation to school, necessitating increased vigilance regarding safety.
“This tragedy, unfortunately not the first of its kind to confront us, underscores our duty to protect our children with utmost caution,” stated President Cyril Ramaphosa, extending his condolences.
This incident marks the deadliest road accident in South Africa this year, following a series of other tragic incidents involving mass casualties on the country’s roads.