Tragedy in Gauteng: 12 Students Killed in Horrific Carletonville School Bus Crash
In a heartbreaking incident, 12 students from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville, Gauteng, have tragically lost their lives in a school bus crash.
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Details of the Carletonville School Bus Crash
The accident occurred on Wednesday when a private scholar transport mini-bus collided with a bakkie, causing the bus to overturn and catch fire.
The victims included 11 learners from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig, along with their driver. Seven other students were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
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Official Response
Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his profound sorrow over the incident, stating that the department had received a “distressing report” about the accident. Chiloane said police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the “horrific” crash, which took place around 6:45 am.
A department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, announced that Chiloane will visit the crash scene and both schools on Wednesday afternoon to offer support and condolences.
“Earlier this morning, the department received a distressing report from officials indicating that a private scholar transport mini-bus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver. It is alleged that the learner transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently catch fire. This horrific accident is alleged to have occurred around 6:45. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this horrific incident,” Steve Mabona said.
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An Outpouring of Grief and Empathy
The tragic news has deeply affected South Africans who have taken to social media to express their condolences and empathize with the grieving families. Here are some of the comments:
@Thabang94527261:
One can just imagine what parents are going through, heartbreaking
@RadebeXolisa:
Oh I know the area well. Let me call my mum…May everyone RIP. Eish the pain of losing a child as a parent. Scary.
@SihleMurdo:
So sad 😢 may God be with the families of this children
@PMotswafrika:
That’s a lot 😰😰😰😰 some transport drivers are reckless 🤬😠😡😤