A driver and 12 school pupils killed when a minibus bursts into flames on Wednesday
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Police on the A614 in Nottinghamshire where six people were killed in a two-car crash.
A scholar minibus driver and 12 pupils from two Gauteng schools were killed in an accident when the minibus overturned and caught fire on Wednesday. According to the department spokesperson Steve Mabona “it is alleged the minibus was hit by a bakkie from behind, overturned, resulting the minibus bursting into flames being.” The accident occurred at 6.45am in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong.
The Gauteng department of education Matome Chiloane said 11 of the pupils were from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville. The Gauteng Traffic spokesperson Sello Maremane said the pupils were all burnt beyond recognition, while seven pupils were injured.
The department has dispatched its psychosocial support team to the school to provide support and to work with the school and affected families. Counselling services will also be made available to pupils and staff to help them cope with the emotional aftermath, he said.
The Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture & recreation said.“The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners,”
said also Chiloane “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and both schools’ community during this difficult time. We also wish injured learners a speedy recovery,” .
Police confirmed a case of culpable homicide had been opened.
The driver of the Ford Ranger bakkie was receiving treatment in hospital, according to the SAPS.
