Johannesburg – A team of crash scene investigators from the Road Traffic Management Corporation is investigating the cause of the horror collision in which 11 schoolchildren and a driver were killed in the West Rand.
The collision involving a minibus taxi carrying school children and a bakkie occurred on the D92 on Wednesday morning.
The minibus taxi was reportedly rear-ended by a Ford Ranger, causing it to overturn and catch alight.
Eleven children and the driver were burnt beyond recognition.
The minibus taxi was transporting children to Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville when tragedy struck.
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The number of children who died in a road accident has since been revised down to 11, from the initial 12.
The Department of Transport has dispatched a team of crash scene investigators from the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Transport Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, sent their heartfelt condolences to the families.
The minister and her deputy also wish those injured in the crash a speedy recovery.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the deceased children’s families, friends, fellow learners, and educators.
“The loss of such young lives at the start of a new school term touches all of us as a nation,” he said.
“We wish the affected families and school communities the best as they mourn the passing of children who have been deprived of fulfilling their potential and spending their lives with families and friends.
“This tragedy, which regretfully is not the first of its kind to confront us, demands that we exercise our obligation to protect our children with the utmost care,” President Ramaphosa said.
He also wished a speedy and full recovery to seven learners who suffered injuries in the accident.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in Gauteng said it was deeply saddened by the 13 deaths including the minibus driver.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, educators, and fellow learners of the deceased and all loved ones of the driver.
‘This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety on our roads, particularly when it comes to scholar transport,” said Santaco chairperson Midday Mali.
He said Santaco has long been concerned about the persistent issue of overloading in scholar transport vehicles, which poses a significant risk to the lives of children.
“We urge law enforcement agencies to heighten their efforts in enforcing road safety regulations, particularly at checkpoints for scholar transport.”
Meanwhile, authorities said DNA tests to identify the schoolchildren will begin on Friday.
