12 learners, driver die in Carletonville scholar transport crash

JOHANNESBURG - Twelve learners from two schools in Carletonville have died in a scholar transport crash.

The driver of the transport also lost his life in the accident.

Eleven of the learners are from Rocklands Primary School, and one learner is from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.

It's understood that the scholar transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently catch fire.

The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched a psychosocial unit to the affected schools.

Department MEC Matome Chiloane will be visiting the scene of the accident and schools on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said: "Earlier this morning, the department received a distressing report from officials indicating that a private scholar transport minibus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver. Additionally, 7 other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.”