‘Scholar taxi was driving towards oncoming traffic’: Lesufi overwhelmed as Vaal death toll rises to 13
A private scholar transport collided with a side tipper super link truck at around 7 am on Monday on the Golden Highway when attempting to overtake two other vehicles. At least 13 learners were killed in the accident.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Monday expressed shock and sadness following a horrific crash in which at least 13 learners were killed in a private scholar transport incident in Vanderbijlpark, in the Vaal.
The learners from different primary and secondary schools were travelling in a Toyota Quantum on Monday morning when the vehicle collided with a truck.
Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika at the scene, Lesufi said he was overwhelmed by the tragedy. Distressed parents gathered at the crash site alongside emergency services and police officers.
A private scholar transport collided with a side tipper super link truck at around 7 am on Monday on the Golden Highway while attempting to overtake two other vehicles. At least 13 learners were killed in the accident.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
“It’s an unbearable situation, an unbearable scene. The investigating team has just briefed me, but there are one or two things that I still need. It is clear that the taxi was trying to overtake several cars and unfortunately, it was confronted by the truck.
Lesufi said the truck driver attempted to swerve to avoid the collision, but it was too late.
The premier said the growing private scholar transport sector urgently needed stricter regulation.
“I really feel that we have left this sector unregulated for quite some time. I said to the MEC (Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane) now, I want him and the MEC for transport to immediately find a way of finding an available date for us to go and meet with this sector. I really feel that we need to engage this sector.
A private scholar transport collided with a side tipper super link truck at around 7 am on Monday on the Golden Highway while attempting to overtake two other vehicles. At least 13 learners were killed in the accident.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
“Remember, within the scholar transport we have some regulations but the private scholar transport system, I think there are lots and lots of loose ends and unfortunately, this is the price we have paid this morning,” said Lesufi.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the driver of the scholar transport vehicle was also injured and had been taken to the hospital.
Police confirmed that some of the injured learners later died after being rushed to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 13.
The crash remains under investigation.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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