By Frank Kamuntu
Thirteen people have been confirmed dead following a horrible accident involving a school bus in South Africa.
Police reports said 12 children and the driver died on the spot after the minibus taking them to school crashed near Johannesburg.
Preliminary reports indicate the bus overturned and burst into flames after being hit by another vehicle.
Seven other children were rushed to hospital, according to officials in Johannesburg’s Gauteng province.
“A private scholar transport minibus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver.
“They were burnt beyond recognition. When this happens forensics will have to do their part in terms of identification,” local traffic police said.
Photos shared from the accident scene showed the harrowing magnitude of the accident as the bus was severely damaged.
A statement from the Education Ministry indicated the accident involved students from Rockland Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.
A psycho-social support team will be sent to the two schools to provide immediate support and work closely with the school and affected families.
“The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners,” Gauteng Education Minister Matome Chiloane said.
Elsewhere, parents called out St Francis Primary School and ECD Centre in Mang’u, Gatundu North, over the death of a student.
According to Inooro FM, the youngster died after being knocked down by a speeding vehicle outside the school.
Police Commander Lawrence Kasini disclosed that the students had been sent home over school fees arrears when the incident happened.
The student was in the company of two others who were injured.
