Tragedy Strikes: 12 Killed, 7 Injured in South Africa School Bus Crash

South Africa School Bus Crash Claims 12 Lives, 7 Hurt

12 people are killed and 7 injured in a school bus crash in South Africa...

Tragedy strikes in South Africa as a school bus crash claims the lives of 12 children and their driver, with 7 others injured. The devastating incident highlights the country's poor road safety record, despite having a modern road network.

Tragedy struck in South Africa on Wednesday, July 10, as a minibus carrying 12 children to school near Johannesburg collided with another vehicle, overturned, and burst into flames, resulting in the devastating loss of all 12 young lives.

The Gauteng provincial government issued a statement on Wednesday, July 10, confirming the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 12 children and the minibus driver. Seven other children were injured and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

The ages of the children involved in the tragic accident have not been released. However, television footage showed the devastating aftermath of the early morning crash in Merafong, approximately 70 kilometers west of Johannesburg, where the minibus was completely gutted by fire, leaving no visible remains.

A devastating accident occurred in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong, involving a privately operated minibus transporting scholars. Tragically, 12 learners and their driver lost their lives, while seven others were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

“I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and injured learners,” stated Gauteng Education Minister Matome Chiloane.

Despite having one of the most developed road networks in Africa, South Africa struggles with a dismal road safety record, highlighting a stark contrast between its modern infrastructure and the alarming number of accidents and fatalities on its roads.