South Africa Mourns 13 Schoolchildren Killed in Minibus–Truck Collision
The crash occurred near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, with three other children hospitalised as investigations begin
- Thirteen schoolchildren died when their minibus collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg
- Police suspect a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre and have opened a culpable homicide case
- The tragedy has renewed national concern over South Africa’s poor road safety record
South Africa has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of 13 schoolchildren who were killed when their minibus collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg.
According to local officials, the accident occurred on Monday and left three other children injured. The survivors are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre may have led to the crash.
A police official in an interview said that a case of culpable homicide will be opened as investigations continue.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, teachers and classmates of the victims, stressing the urgent need to protect schoolchildren on the country’s roads.
“We must do all we can to ensure the safety of learners,” he said in a statement.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to South Africa’s poor road safety record.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently described the country’s road death toll as “a reason for national shame,” despite a marginal improvement last year.
Official figures show that 11,418 people lost their lives on South Africa’s roads in 2025 a 6 percent decrease from the previous year, but still an average of 31 deaths every day.
Authorities say excessive speeding and drink driving remain the leading causes of fatal accidents.
