20.01.2026 08:44
At least 14 students were killed and 3 students were injured in a head-on collision between a school bus and a truck in Gauteng province, South Africa.
South Africa was the scene of a tragic traffic accident. A minibus carrying elementary and high school students collided with a truck.
THEY COLLIDED HEAD-ON
According to local media reports, the accident occurred around 07:00 in Vanderbijlpark, located southwest of Johannesburg. The minibus transporting students to a private school collided head-on with a truck coming from the opposite direction while trying to overtake other vehicles in front of it.
11 STUDENTS DIED AT THE SCENE
Upon receiving the report, a large number of ambulances were dispatched to the area, and it was determined that 11 students had died at the scene. It was reported that 3 other students died in the hospital despite all interventions, while the treatment of 3 injured students is ongoing. The police announced that both drivers survived the accident with injuries. A detailed investigation into the incident has been initiated.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, stating that necessary psychosocial support would be provided to the families and friends of the deceased students. Ramaphosa indicated that necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents, stating, "Our children are the most valuable assets of our nation. We must do everything we can to protect our children in every area, from compliance with traffic rules to the quality of the vehicles used for student transportation."
South Africa's Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube stated that many of the accidents occurring in school transportation are caused by driver errors and instructed to tighten vehicle inspections and controls for student transport services.