Twelve children and a driver were killed on Wednesday when a minibus transporting them to school near Johannesburg overturned and burst into flames after being hit by another vehicle. The tragic incident occurred in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong, approximately 70 kilometers west of Johannesburg.
The accident involved a private scholar transport minibus and a small pick-up truck. Television images showed the minibus destroyed by fire, with charred schoolbook pages scattered on the road. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene, where they found the victims burned beyond recognition.
Seven other children were taken to the hospital, and most had been released by late afternoon. The driver of the pick-up truck was also hospitalized.
Gauteng traffic police spokesman Sello Maremane stated that forensic investigations would be required to identify the victims. Preliminary reports suggest the minibus was struck from behind by the pick-up truck, causing it to overturn and catch fire.
Gauteng education minister Matome Chiloane and President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sadness and extended their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for greater safety measures to protect children.
This incident adds to a series of road accidents in South Africa, which has one of the most developed road networks in Africa but suffers from high rates of road accidents due to reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles. The President and officials urged parents to ensure the safety and condition of vehicles used to transport children.
