Home » Heartbreak as Tragic Taxi Crash Claims Lives of 18 Schoolchildren in South Africa

Heartbreak as Tragic Taxi Crash Claims Lives of 18 Schoolchildren in South Africa

GAUTENG – Gauteng Education Department has reported a horrific taxi accident on the N4, just after Bronkhorstspruit, on Friday… which has tragically claimed the lives of 18 school children and two adults. Gauteng’s MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, rushed to the scene and is currently meeting with parents of the deceased. He tweeted: “I’ve never seen […]

By SAPeople
21-04-17 23:41
in Eish!

GAUTENG – Gauteng Education Department has reported a horrific taxi accident on the N4, just after Bronkhorstspruit, on Friday… which has tragically claimed the lives of 18 school children and two adults.

Gauteng’s MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, rushed to the scene and is currently meeting with parents of the deceased.

He tweeted: “I’ve never seen so many motionless bodies since the Ellis Park disaster. Go well my kids! Be assured of a dignified send off!”

According to Gauteng Education, Emergency Services managed to rescue seven learners shortly before the crashed taxi burst into flames. Of those seven, three are apparently in a critical condition.

It is believed that the driver of the minibus, who was also fatally injured, under-estimated the speed of an oncoming truck, and collided with him whilst turning.

Lesufi said: “Our learners, with a promising future, whose lives were tragically cut short, were traveling home from Mahlenga High.”

Apart from the driver, one other adult also died. One family reportedly lost three children.

Gauteng Education said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing away of 18 learners in horrific crash. We send our condolences to all the affected families.”

In one of their first tweets after the accident, they said: “Completely distraught… ??.”

The department will provide counselling to learners at the affected schools, and their families.

https://twitter.com/EducationGP/status/855406687037128704