One child has died and 14 others have been injured after a scholar transport minibus overturned in KwaMashu, north of Durban, on Wednesday.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed the fatal crash, describing it as a tragic incident that has left several learners hospitalised.
Emergency services treated multiple children at the scene before transporting them to nearby medical facilities for further care. The extent of their injuries has not yet been fully disclosed.
Duma said the Road Traffic Inspectorate and police would work together to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the vehicle was roadworthy and if any traffic laws were violated.
He also called on the driver of the minibus to surrender to authorities after allegedly fleeing the scene shortly after the vehicle overturned.
Officials have urged scholar transport operators to prioritise safety and compliance, warning that negligence behind the wheel can have devastating consequences for young passengers.