Vanderbijlpark crash leaves 13 schoolchildren dead. Image Source: AFP/Getty Images

A quiet Monday morning turned into a scene of unimaginable grief after a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark claimed the lives of 13 schoolchildren, sending shockwaves across Gauteng and the nation.

The crash occurred at approximately 07:00 local time on a narrow, high-risk road south of Johannesburg, a route residents say is notorious for reckless truck driving. The pupils were en route to school when their minibus collided head-on with a heavy truck, resulting in one of the deadliest school transport accidents in recent years.

Eyewitness Accounts Describe a Scene of Horror

An eyewitness, Mxolisi Jokozele, described stumbling upon the aftermath while cycling early Monday morning.

According to Jokozele, the minibus driver appeared disoriented and in shock, while the road was strewn with the lifeless bodies of children.

“All I could do was cry,” he said, describing the emotional trauma of witnessing the aftermath.
“It was painful to see all those kids lying there.”

Community members soon gathered at the scene, including distraught parents who rushed over, fearing their own children might be among the victims.

What Caused the Vanderbijlpark Crash?

Preliminary police investigations indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake vehicles ahead and failed to notice an oncoming truck, resulting in a devastating head-on collision.

Initially, 11 pupils died at the scene, while two later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. At least two other children remain in critical condition, according to local education authorities.

The minibus driver survived and is reportedly receiving medical treatment. The condition of the truck driver remains unclear.

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Police Open 13 Culpable Homicide Cases

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that authorities have opened 13 counts of culpable homicide, with additional charges likely as investigations continue.

Statements will be obtained from:

• Eyewitnesses
• The surviving scholar transport driver
• Other relevant parties

The investigation is expected to focus on road safety violations, vehicle condition, and transport oversight.

Government and Presidential Reaction

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the crash as “distressing”, emphasizing the urgent need to protect learners.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets. We must do all we can, from obeying road rules to ensuring the quality of scholar transport providers, to protect learners,” he said.

The Gauteng Department of Education also pledged support to affected families and schools as grief counselling is rolled out.

A Broader Road Safety Crisis in South Africa

The Vanderbijlpark tragedy has reignited debate around South Africa’s road safety crisis, particularly involving scholar transport vehicles.

In 2025 alone, road crashes killed 11,418 people, averaging 31 deaths per day, despite a slight year-on-year reduction. Experts cite:

• Speeding
• Reckless overtaking
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Weak enforcement

as persistent contributors to fatal accidents.

Community in Mourning, Calls for Accountability Grow

As Vanderbijlpark mourns, community leaders and parents are demanding stricter regulation of scholar transport services, improved road infrastructure, and real accountability for preventable tragedies.

Memorials continue to grow near the crash site, a painful reminder of lives lost too soon.

FAQ

What happened in Vanderbijlpark on Monday?

A scholar transport minibus collided head-on with a truck, killing 13 schoolchildren who were on their way to school.

How many pupils died in the Vanderbijlpark crash?

Thirteen pupils died. Eleven were declared dead at the scene, while two later died from injuries in hospital.

What caused the scholar transport crash?

Police say the minibus driver attempted to overtake other vehicles and failed to see an oncoming truck.

Is the driver alive?

Yes. The minibus driver survived and is being treated in hospital. Investigations are ongoing.

What charges have been laid by police?

Police have opened 13 counts of culpable homicide, with more charges expected as investigations continue.

Where exactly did the crash happen?

The crash occurred on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, known for heavy truck traffic.

What has the government said about the incident?

President Cyril Ramaphosa called the crash “distressing” and urged stricter enforcement of road safety and scholar transport standards.

Are road accidents common in South Africa?

Yes. South Africa records thousands of road fatalities yearly, driven by speeding, reckless driving, and poor vehicle maintenance.

Will families receive support?

Education authorities say counselling and support services are being provided to affected families and schools.