Carletonville crash: Process of identifying some children being expedited – Gauteng Health Dept
Twelve children, including their driver, tragically lost their lives when the minibus taxi they were travelling in was rammed into from behind by a Ford Ranger.
The site of multi-car collision in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong on 10 July 2024, in which 13 people were killed. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health says it is expediting the process of identifying some of the children who died in a horrific minibus taxi accident in Carletonville on Thursday.
Twelve children, including their driver, tragically lost their lives when the minibus taxi they were travelling in was rammed into from behind by a Ford Ranger.
The minibus overturned before eventually catching a fire.
Eight other children and the driver of the Ford Ranger survived the ordeal and were rushed to hospital before seven of them were released.
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Various officials from the Gauteng government - including Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Education MEC Matome Chiloane - visited the scene and conveyed their condolences.
With police confirming the launch of an investigation and the opening of case of culpable homicide, the provincial Department of Health has committed to speeding up the identification process.
"They must try and speed up that process of the DNA test, it will be done,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The very same officials and more are set to visit the schools and families of the victims.
RAMAPHOSA, BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER CONVEY SYMPATHIES
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube have conveyed their condolences to the relatives of the 12 children who died in the crash.
Eleven of the learners are from Rocklands Primary School, and one learner is from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.
Minister Gwarube sympathised with the families while Ramaphosa wished the survivors a speedy recovery.
Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya: “The President also wishes a speedy and full recovery to seven learners who suffered injuries in the incident”