Transport tragedy: Names and faces of the 12 pupils killed in horrific Vaal crash
The Gauteng Department of Education has released the names of the 12 learners who were killed in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark.
Image: Supplied
The Gauteng Department of Education has released the names of the 12 pupils who were killed during a horrific accident when a scholar transport vehicle crashed into a truck in the Vaal, South of Johannesburg.
Dashcam footage from the truck involved in the fatal crash shows the truck travelling steadily while other vehicles safely pass in the opposite lane.
Moments later, the taxi suddenly entered the truck’s path. In a last-ditch attempt to avoid the collision, the school transport veers right while the truck moves slightly left.
However, the manoeuvres came too late, resulting in a violent head-on crash.
The accident, which occurred on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, claimed the lives of 12 schoolchildren and left several others injured.
The Gauteng Department of Education has released the names of the 12 learners who were killed in a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark.
Image: Supplied
These are the children
🕊️ Buhle Radebe – Grade 11, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Bokamoso Mokhobo – Grade 8, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Sibongile Madonsela – Grade 10, Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark
🕊️ Leano Moiloa – Grade 8, Vaal High School
🕊️ Lesego Sefatsa – Grade 2, Oakwood Primary School
🕊️ Letlotlo Katlego Makwe – Grade 2, Vaal Triangle Primary School
🕊️ Ofentse Jayden Vinger – Grade 1, Oliver Lodge Primary School
🕊️ Lindokuhle Mabaso – Grade 5, Noordhoek Primary School
🕊️ Pheello Motaung – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Puleng Maphalla – Grade 11, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Naledi Motsapi – Grade 10, El-Shaddai Christian School
🕊️ Bohlale Lekekela – Grade 1, El-Shaddai Christian School
"To the families, school communities, educators, and classmates, we extend our deepest condolences and continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," said Gauteng education department spokesperson, Steve Mabona
Speaking at a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office, Gauteng Premier Panyaza 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 on Thursday facing 12 counts of culpable homicide and charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Meanwhile, five injured learners were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and two to Kopanong Hospital. Two pupils were initially in intensive care, with one since discharged.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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