Deaths of 13 learners sparks renewed calls to tighten scholar transport regulations

ONE of the drivers involved in the Vanderbijlpark deadly accident that claimed the lives of 13 learners had been reprimanded last week for reckless driving behaviour, says Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane. 

According to preliminary reports, the driver of the school transport allegedly attempted to overtake about four vehicles and collided head-on with a truck in the oncoming lane. A number of other learners were injured and taken to hospital.

The learners from different primary and secondary schools were travelling in a Toyota Quantum  when the vehicle collided with a truck.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the truck driver attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but it was too late.

“It’s an unbearable situation, an unbearable scene. The investigating team has just briefed me, but there are one or two things that I still need. It is clear that the taxi was trying to overtake several cars and unfortunately, it was confronted by the truck.”

He said the growing private scholar transport sector urgently needed stricter regulation.

“I really feel that we have left this sector unregulated for quite some time. I said to the MEC (Chiloane) now, I want him and the MEC for transport to immediately find an available date for us to go and meet with this sector. I really feel that we need to engage with this sector.”

Chiloane said the taxi driver was reportedly also hospitalised, while details regarding the truck driver remain uncertain.

“It really is a tragic day for us as the Department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport,” said Chiloane.

One mother, who lost two children in the crash, collapsed in agony as emergency personnel tried to assist her.

“Two of my children are dead. I just want to see their bodies. What did I do to God to deserve this? I just want to die.”

Colonel Mavela Masondo, Gauteng police spokesperson, said the death toll at the scene had initially been reported as 11. 

Masondo added that four learners and the vehicle’s driver were taken to Sebokeng Hospital, while one learner and the assisted truck driver were taken to Kopanong Hospital.

“Several learners were injured and rushed to hospital. Preliminary investigations indicate that the Quantum was overtaking four vehicles when it collided with an oncoming truck."

President Cyril Ramaphosa  said he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the learners, describing the incident as a devastating loss for families, schools and the country as a whole.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets,” Ramaphosa said.

“We must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to ensuring the quality and accountability of scholar transport operators – to protect the lives of learners.”

He said it was particularly distressing that the tragedy occurred on the same day the South African Human Rights Commission released a report on scholar transport, underscoring longstanding concerns about safety, regulation and oversight in the sector.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased learners and assured families of the injured that survivors are receiving quality care in Gauteng’s public health facilities. She also said counselling is being offered to affected families.

Cape Times