School pupils die in taxi crash near Bronkhorstspruit
Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says they can confirm that about 20 of the pupils passed away on the scene. Paramedics are on the scene of the accident.
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Education Department says 20 school pupils have been killed in a taxi accident just outside Bronkhorstspruit.
The department's spokesperson Steve Mabona says the details are still sketchy at the moment but he can confirm that the minibus taxi collided with a truck on the Groblersdal Road.
“There are about 30 people involved in this accident but we can confirm that about 20 of the learners passed away on the scene. Emergency services are there to assist those who might have survived.”
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi arrived on the scene.
“It’s sad and it’s a dark day for Education. We’ve received support from members of society and we’d like to thank them and the religious members who are here to provide all the prayers.”
According to paramedics, initial reports suggested that the taxi collided head-on with a truck. Upon arrival, they found fire services already in attendance after they extinguished the burning taxi.
[UPDATE] - Fatalities on the R25 collision has risen to 17 children. @ewnupdates @eNCA @_ArriveAlive @JacaNews @SABCNewsroom pic.twitter.com/AumRsLrjFC
— ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. (@ER24EMS) April 21, 2017
[UPDATE] - The number of fatalities from the R25 collision has once again risen and confirmed at 20 children. @ewnupdates @eNCA @JacaNews
— ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. (@ER24EMS) April 21, 2017
I am told almost 18 learners died in this accident. I am on my way to the scene. It's a dark day for education in GP/MP https://t.co/JXtM60ICNX
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 21, 2017
(Edited by Winnie Theletsane)
