The Department of Education in the North West on Friday released more details of the horror crash in Potchefstroom that left five school children dead and four others seriously injured.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Vyfhoek Primary School while learners were waiting for their transport within the premises.
At about 2 pm an out-of-control truck crashed through the school fence and ran over the children.
ER24 and several other services responded to the scene along the N12, about 10km from the Potchefstroom CBD.
“Medics found three children lying under the truck while several others were around the vehicle. All the children were believed to be aged between seven and 11,” said ER24.
“Medics quickly assessed the patients and found four children had shown no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for them, and they were later declared dead.
“Three other children were in critical condition, while two others had severe injuries.”
ER24 said medics treated the patients and provided them with advanced life support.
“Unfortunately, after a short time, one critically injured child succumbed to their injuries.”
On Thursday, the department said it was with “sadness” that it “confirms a tragic death of five Vyfhoek Primary School learners, in Potchefstroom, who were run over by a mini truck inside their school premises.”
Narrating events leading to the deadly incident, the department said a truck was travelling from Potchefstroom towards Johannesburg on the N12 road when a front tyre burst.
The truck rolled and careered towards the school fence.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle, then went straight through the school fence plunging on four learners, and killing them on the spot while one died in the ambulance at the scene while the paramedics were still attending to her injuries,” explained Elias Malindi, North West Education Spokesperson.
“Four learners are in hospital.”
North West Education MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela said: “This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five learners in this manner is not easy to accept as a parent and as a caretaker to these learners.
“We are truly lost for words and we plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as parents are still trying to get to terms with this sudden loss.
“I wish to send a word of comfort to the bereaved families and for those whose learners are hospitalised.”
The driver of the truck escaped injury.
The SA Police Service is investigating the events leading up to the tragedy.
