World

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of 12 Children in South Africa

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 10, 2024

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In a devastating incident early Wednesday morning near Johannesburg, twelve children lost their lives when the minibus transporting them to school overturned and caught fire after colliding with another vehicle. The tragic accident occurred in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong, more than 70 kilometers west of the city.

According to a statement from the Gauteng provincial government, the driver of the minibus also perished in the crash, while seven other children sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. The ages of the children were not immediately disclosed.

Television footage depicted the minibus completely engulfed in flames, underscoring the severity of the collision that occurred during the early morning commute.

Gauteng education minister Matome Chiloane expressed profound sadness over the incident, stating, “I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. 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.”

Despite having one of the most developed road networks in Africa, South Africa also grapples with a high rate of road accidents, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring road safety across the country.