IN PICS: Dashcam shows moments before crash that killed 12 pupils in Vanderbijlpark
Dashcam footage shows a school transport taxi veering into oncoming traffic moments before a fatal crash that killed 12 pupils near Vanderbijlpark. The footage suggests the collision could have been avoided.
Image: Supplied
Dashcam footage from the truck involved in Monday’s fatal crash that claimed 12 lives shows the minibus travelling in the oncoming lane with enough time and space to avoid the crash, but failing to do so.
The footage shows the truck travelling steadily while other vehicles safely pass in the opposite lane.
Moments later, the taxi suddenly enters the truck’s path.
In a last-ditch attempt to avoid the collision, the school transport veers right while the truck moves slightly left.
A 22-year-old taxi driver has been arrested following a crash that killed 12 pupils. Dashcam video shows other vehicles giving him room to manoeuvre, but the taxi driver failed to avoid the collision.
Image: Supplied
However, the manoeuvres come too late, resulting in a violent head-on crash.
Other taxis driving in the opposite direction moved over to give the school transport driver room to avoid the crash, but he didn’t take the opportunity.
The accident, which occurred on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, claimed the lives of 12 schoolchildren and left several others injured.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the scholar transport vehicle was operating with an expired professional driving permit (PDP), which lapsed in November last year.
Twelve schoolchildren lost their lives in a head-on collision between a scholar transport taxi and a truck on Monday. Dashcam footage shows the taxi moving into the truck’s path despite having space to avoid the crash.
Image: Supplied
Speaking at a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office, Lesufi said three drivers were involved in the crash, the taxi driver and two truck drivers.
“The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to hospital and will provide a full statement,” Lesufi said.
“The assistant truck driver was treated and discharged, while the scholar transport driver was hospitalised and later released. The taxi driver has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.”
Gauteng police said the 22-year-old taxi driver will appear in Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, facing 12 counts of culpable homicide and charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Footage from a truck shows the scholar transport taxi entering the oncoming lane just seconds before the collision near Vanderbijlpark.
Image: Supplied
His first court appearance is expected on Thursday.
All 12 pupils have been formally identified.
Five injured learners were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital.
Two pupils were initially in intensive care, with one since discharged.
Families of the deceased are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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