A devastating road accident in South Africa's Gauteng province has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 schoolchildren. The fatal collision occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, when a truck crashed into a private school minibus, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting national calls for improved road safety.
Scene of Tragedy: Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident happened around 7 a.m. in the southwest of Johannesburg. The minibus was transporting pupils to various primary and secondary schools in the area when the crash occurred. Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that 11 children died instantly at the scene. Two more children later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to 13.
Eyewitnesses reported that the school minibus attempted to overtake stationary vehicles before crashing head-on into the oncoming truck. Emergency services, including Gauteng Emergency Services, responded swiftly. They transported the injured to nearby hospitals, with five patients taken to Sebokeng Hospital and two others to Kopanong Hospital. The driver of the minibus was also injured and hospitalized.
Investigation and Official Response
Law enforcement officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The truck driver is being questioned as part of the inquiry. Furthermore, Matome Chiloane, the provincial education department minister, stated that the minibus driver would be investigated for possible reckless driving.
The tragedy has drawn a response from the highest levels of government. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow over the loss of young lives, describing children as the nation's most precious assets. He pledged government support for the affected families and emphasized the critical need for all road users to observe traffic rules.
Siviwe Gwarube, the Minister of Basic Education, linked many school transport accidents to driver error. She called for stricter oversight and urged the Department of Transport to ensure vehicles used for pupil transport are properly maintained and certified roadworthy.
Community in Mourning and Calls for Action
The crash site became a scene of profound grief as parents arrived. Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes of mothers and fathers weeping uncontrollably while emergency workers collected scattered school bags and stationery from the road.
Authorities have promised that psychosocial support teams will be made available to assist the grieving families and the schools impacted by this loss. The scale of this incident has reignited urgent concerns about the safety of vehicles used to ferry schoolchildren across South Africa.
Police have appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly during early morning hours when school-related traffic is at its peak. They have promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
