The Gauteng Education Department (GED) has confirmed that one learner who died in the tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday remains unidentified. The devastating crash claimed the lives of 12 learners who were travelling in a minibus-taxi that collided with a truck in Vanderbijlpark.
The accident scene, which has shocked the nation, shows the extent of the damage caused by the collision. Image Credits: Lopang Alamu/Sashin Naidoo.
Word from Officials
According to the GED spokesperson, Steve Mabona, the department is working closely with affected families to identify the unidentified learner. “The number of learners that passed on is 12 and out of the 12, we have a child that is unidentified,” Mabona said.
The learners who lost their lives were from seven different schools in the Vaal area, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy. Several other learners, as well as the driver of the minibus-taxi, were injured in the crash.
Mabona emphasized that the department is committed to supporting the families of the victims. “We are still trying to make sure that we identify, working with the families, we are finalising the process so that the families identify that child,” he said.
The nation mourns the loss of the young lives lost in the Vanderbijlpark crash. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, added Mabona.
Investigations is Underway to Discover the Cause of Vanderbijlpark Crash
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Vanderbijlpark crash has raised concerns about road safety and the transportation of learners.
The GED has promised to provide psychosocial support to affected families and communities. The department is also working to ensure that the learners’ education is not disrupted.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again. The unidentified learner’s family is urged to come forward to assist with identification.
The crash has highlighted the need for improved safety measures for scholar transport. The government has promised to review and strengthen regulations to prevent similar incidents.
The GED promises to continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The department’s thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities will do everything possible to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents.