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Update on the Vanderbijlpark Scholar Transport Accident
CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR
The Gauteng Provincial Government extends its heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families, following the tragic passing of the 12 children who lost their lives in the horrific accident on their way to school yesterday, 19 January 2026.
We wish a speedy recovery to all the learners who are still in hospital. The total number of children that tragically lost their lives is 12 and not 14 as it was initially reported. This afternoon, a delegation comprising of the Premier, Minister of Basic Education, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), and Sedibeng Executive Mayors visited the injured learners in hospital and the bereaved families. Health and Education
As initially reported by the Department of Health, seven (7) survivors were transported by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Sebokeng and Kopanong Hospitals. At Sebokeng Hospital, four learners and the minibus taxi driver were admitted and received necessary treatment.
Kopanong Hospital attended to one learner and one adult who is the assistant to the truck driver for minor injuries, and both were discharged yesterday. As of 15h00 today, Sebokeng Hospital has three (3) learners admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). One learner remains critical, while another remains critical but in a stable condition, and one has been moved from ICU to a surgical paediatric ward.
These patients consist of two female learners aged 15 and 16 and a 10-year-old boy. The fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton last night for further specialised care. The learner who was airlifted is a 17-year-old girl.
The taxi driver was also discharged yesterday and was immediately taken into custody by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Autopsies for all 12 deceased bodies have been concluded, and 10 bodies have been collected by their families with only two remaining at the Sebokeng Forensic Pathology Service mortuary.
To provide emotional and spiritual support, the Gauteng Department of Health has deployed counsellors and chaplains to the two hospitals and the Sebokeng Forensic Pathology Services mortuary who are assisting families with trauma debriefing, bereavement support, and comfort during the collection of the bodies.
The Gauteng Department of Education is also providing psychosocial support to the affected families and schools. Roads and Transport The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is ramping up road safety interventions through stronger enforcement of existing legislation, adoption of technology and stricter compliance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and National Land Transport Act (NLTA). As Gauteng's road traffic law and safety authority, the Department is building its internal legal capacity and creating an updated online repository of road traffic regulations, so road users know their rights and responsibilities. Scholar transport safety is a renewed priority, with tougher enforcement and greater accountability.
Parents, learners and motorists are encouraged to report reckless driving, unsafe behaviour, and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles through lawful channels (012 999 5407 / 086 140 0800).
Where feasible and safe, video evidence may assist authorities identify non-compliant operators and drivers. The Department further encourages operators and parents to have dashboard cameras installed for real-time monitoring.
Learner safety is non-negotiable and the provincial government will not compromise when it comes to the safety of children. Any scholar transport operator who puts learners at risk will face the full might of the law.
The Transport Department’s “E Thoma Ka Wena / It Starts With You” road safety campaign will strictly enforce Section 49 of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA).
This section places a statutory duty on the operator of a motor vehicle to ensure:
• The vehicle is roadworthy and mechanically safe.
• The driver operates the vehicle lawfully and safely.
• Passengers are transported without endangerment.
• Safe loading and unloading of passengers. Enforcement consequences are now correctly framed as:
• Enforcement actions under the National Roads Traffic Act (NRTA).
• Potential suspension or loss of operator status based on NRTA noncompliance. The Department further reaffirms key NRTA regulations governing pedestrian behaviour:
• Regulation 323(2): Pedestrians are prohibited from entering or walking on freeways, except where permitted by law.
• Regulation 315: Pedestrians must cross at designated points and obey road traffic signs and signals.
• Regulation 316(5): This regulation addresses unlawful and dangerous pedestrian behaviour, including jaywalking. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and government will enforce the laws, however parents, operators, drivers, and pedestrians must also play their part in ensuring that everyone is safe and arrives alive.
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