A bus transporting 37 high school pupils from the North West province, who were returning home from an athletics event, was involved in an accident on the road between Hopetown and Kimberley.
A BUS transporting 37 high school pupils from the North West province, who were returning home from an athletics event, was involved in an accident on the road between Hopetown and Kimberley during the early hours of Sunday morning.
A spokesperson for the North West Department of Education, Mphata Molokwane, said the bus driver indicated that the accident took place about 60 kilometres before Hopetown and was caused by strong cross-winds.
Molokwane explained that the pupils had participated in the secondary school track and field athletics championships that were held in the Western Cape over the weekend.
“The pupils are attending different high schools in the North West. There were no fatalities although two teachers and the bus driver have been transferred to Kimberly for X-rays and medical examinations as a precautionary measure.”
He stated that the bus driver sustained minor injuries while one teacher was hospitalised in Kimberley due to serious injuries sustained during the accident.
“The department is relieved to report that no pupils sustained injuries but are currently undergoing medical checks at Hopetown Hospital.”
He added that one of the buses arrived safely in the North West on Monday morning.
“Upon arrival, the department immediately convened at the district office to meet with the pupils and officials, where the MEC for the North West Department of Education, Viola Motsumi, and a delegation from the employee health and wellness unit provided psychological support to the pupils and teachers who were involved in the traumatic incident.”
He indicated that the department was providing the necessary support and assistance to affected pupils, teachers and their families.
Motsumi called for calm and committed to providing continuous support.
“The department is deeply grateful to the emergency responders, medical personnel and authorities who swiftly responded to the scene and provided assistance. The safety and well-being of our pupils and educators remain the department’s utmost priority.”
She added that psycho-social support would be offered to both the families of the pupils and the teachers involved.
“It is imperative that we provide ongoing care and assistance during this challenging time. Our priority is the well-being and recovery of the learners, the teachers who are recovering at home and in hospital, as well their families. We are committed to offering the necessary resources and assistance to help them navigate through this difficult period.
“Our hearts go out to the injured teacher, and we wish them a speedy and full recovery,” Motsumi said.
