At least 11 schoolchildren were killed on Monday morning in a tragic minibus crash south of Johannesburg, South African media reported. The accident occurred when the minibus collided with a truck in the industrial city of Vanderbijlpark.
Five other pupils suffered critical injuries in the incident. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Emergency services arrived at the scene immediately to assist victims and manage traffic.
The minibus crash has sparked concern over road safety in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the world. Last year, the country recorded 11,418 road deaths, showing a slight decrease of about 6 percent compared to 2024.
Transport authorities cited reckless driving, speeding, and drink-driving as leading causes of road accidents in South Africa. Officials emphasized that many of these accidents, including the recent minibus crash, could have been prevented with stricter road safety enforcement.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently called for changes to South Africa’s driving laws. She suggested replacing the current legal alcohol limit with a zero-tolerance policy to prevent alcohol-related accidents. Authorities believe that stricter rules could reduce the number of road fatalities in the coming years.
The Vanderbijlpark accident has left families and the local community in shock. Schools in the area have expressed condolences and promised support to the affected families. Counselling and psychological services are being offered to students and staff.
Officials are investigating the cause of the minibus crash. Early reports indicate that speed and road conditions may have contributed to the collision, though the full details will be confirmed after the official inquiry.
In other news read more about: Plane Crash: Wreckage of Missing ATR 42-500 Plane Found in Indonesia
South African authorities continue to urge drivers to follow traffic rules, maintain safe speeds, and avoid alcohol while driving. They stress that public awareness and enforcement are key to preventing future tragedies like the Vanderbijlpark minibus crash.
