The death toll from a collision involving a school transport vehicle and a truck in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, rose to 13 on Monday, according to South African authorities.

Preliminary reports indicated that 11 learners were pronounced dead at the scene, while several others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Authorities later confirmed that the number of fatalities increased after one learner was found trapped beneath the overturned vehicle and another succumbed to injuries while receiving medical treatment.

Provincial officials said four learners remain hospitalized with serious injuries, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

Briefing the media, Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of Gauteng, cited findings from the investigating team indicating that the school transport vehicle had attempted to overtake several vehicles before colliding with the oncoming truck. The truck driver reportedly attempted to swerve to avoid the impact, but the collision could not be prevented.

Describing the incident as “unbearable,” Lesufi called for stricter regulation and oversight of South Africa’s expanding private scholar transport sector, highlighting persistent safety concerns.

Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said preliminary evidence suggests the school transport vehicle was overloaded at the time of the crash. He noted that the Toyota Quantum minibus involved was certified to carry 14 passengers, but was transporting 17 learners.

Both drivers survived the crash. Police confirmed that the minibus driver will be formally questioned as part of a culpable homicide investigation once medically cleared.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the affected families, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to road safety regulations and improved oversight of learner transport services.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets,” Ramaphosa said, calling for collective responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of services entrusted with transporting learners. NNA News