Authorities have confirmed that the death toll in the scholar transport crash involving a minibus and a truck in Vanderbijlpark on Monday stands at twelve, following widespread reports suggesting the figure had increased.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, moved swiftly to correct what she described as misinformation surrounding the tragedy, dismissing claims that more learners had died.
“We wish to address and dispel the unverified reports suggesting that the number of fatalities from the Vanderbijlpark learner transport accident has risen to 14,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“We reiterate that the confirmed number of learners who lost their lives and were collected from the scene remains at 12 as reported yesterday. The spread of unconfirmed information is causing unnecessary harm.”
Meanwhile, grieving parent Josephine Mokhobo, who lost her daughter in the crash, has urged parents to be more vigilant when selecting transport for their children.
Mokhobo said her daughter had only used the transport for four days and had told her she was happy and had made a new friend. She described her loss as devastating.
“As parents, we must always check if the driver has a licence and whether the vehicle is roadworthy,” she said.
“I trusted that man with all my heart to take my child to school and bring her back safely. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”
She added that it was particularly painful because the owner of the transport is reportedly the chairperson of scholar transport in the Vaal.
The driver of the minibus was taken to hospital following the collision. Preliminary investigations indicate that he attempted to overtake several vehicles before crashing head-on into a truck travelling in the opposite direction along Fred Droste Road.
Gauteng SANTACO chairperson Midday Mali clarified that the vehicle involved was not a taxi but a minibus dedicated to scholar transport.
“The vehicle involved belongs permanently to scholar transport,” said Mali.
“Eyewitnesses allege the driver overtook three to four vehicles at once, which led to this horrific incident.”
Mali has also called on parents to play a more active role in ensuring their children’s safety.
“It is important that parents look into the pick-up times and whether children are being rushed to school,” he said.
“They must accompany their kids, check the condition of the vehicle and the state of the driver. These are crucial steps to prevent tragedies like this.”
Investigations into the crash continue.