In a tragic incident near Johannesburg, South Africa, twelve children lost their lives early Wednesday morning when the minibus they were traveling in to school overturned and caught fire after colliding with another vehicle. The Gauteng provincial government confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating that the driver of the minibus also perished in the accident, while seven other children sustained injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital.
Details regarding the ages of the children were not immediately available, but television footage depicted the complete destruction of the minibus due to the ensuing fire following the crash in Merafong, located over 70 kilometers west of Johannesburg.
According to a statement released by the Gauteng provincial government, “A private scholar transport minibus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver. Additionally, seven other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.”
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Gauteng’s education minister Matome Chiloane conveyed condolences to the families affected, saying, “I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners.”
South Africa, despite having one of the most developed road networks on the African continent, continues to grapple with a high rate of road accidents and fatalities, underscoring persistent challenges in road safety enforcement and infrastructure management.
