Tragic Minibus Accident: 12 Schoolchildren and Driver Killed in Gauteng

Twelve schoolchildren and their driver tragically died when their minibus overturned and caught fire after being hit by a truck in Gauteng, South Africa. The accident, which also injured seven other children, occurred a day after schools reopened post-winter holidays. Officials have visited the crash site and the injured victims.

Twelve schoolchildren and their driver lost their lives in a devastating minibus accident in Gauteng, South Africa, on Wednesday. The tragedy struck just a day after schools reopened following the winter holidays.

The minibus overturned and caught fire after a small truck, or 'bakkie', rear-ended it in Merafong, near Johannesburg. Seven other children sustained injuries in the collision.

Authorities, including the head of the Gauteng provincial government, Panyaza Lesufi, and education and transport officials, visited the scene and the injured children at a hospital in Carletonville. Most of the deceased were from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville. Gauteng education department spokesman Steve Mabona described the incident as a 'horrific accident,' highlighting the dependence of thousands of children on private minibuses for school transportation across the province.

(With inputs from agencies.)