Twelve children were killed on Wednesday in South Africa after a minibus that was transporting them to school near Johannesburg flipped over and caught fire after being hit by another vehicle, according to the police.
According to the authorities in the province of Gauteng, which is located in Johannesburg, the driver of the minibus was also murdered, and seven other children were brought to the hospital on the same day.
Fire completely damaged the minibus.
During the early morning incident in Merafong, located more than 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of the city, television photos showed that the fire completely damaged the minibus to complete destruction.
At the time when the authorities were investigating the area, charred schoolbook pages were spread across the asphalt.
Kokosi-Wedela Merafong crash
“A private scholar transport minibus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver,” the government of Gauteng stated in a statement. “The accident occurred in Merafong.”
The occupants
The ages of the youngsters could not be provided immediately; nevertheless, it was stated that most of them were from primary schools, which typically include kids aged six to thirteen.
“Seven other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention,” according to the announcement.
What caused the accident
According to the authorities, the minibus was struck from behind by a small pick-up vehicle, causing it to flip over and catch fire. The police were investigating what happened, but the minibus appeared to have been struck.
“I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event,” said Matome Chiloane, the minister of education for the province of Gauteng state.
“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”.
South Africa’s road network is among the most developed on the continent; however, the country also has one of the worst records for road safety performance.
When a bus crashed off a bridge and into a ravine in the northern part of the country in March, it was the most tragic accident that has occurred this year. Forty-five passengers were killed while they were on their way to attend a religious event.
Past Occurrences
Over the past few years, Moria has been the destination of an Easter pilgrimage and service that has attracted more than one million believers. The bus was traveling from Botswana, which is located nearby, to Moria.
In February, a bus accident claimed the lives of at least nine individuals who were members of the African National Congress party. These individuals were returning home after attending an electoral event in the country’s eastern region.
