A devastating collision between a truck and a school minibus in South Africa's Gauteng province has claimed the lives of at least 13 children, according to authorities.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tragic incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday, 19 January 2026. The private minibus was transporting pupils to various primary and high schools in the southwest of Johannesburg. Witnesses reported that the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with the truck. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 children died at the scene, with two others succumbing to their injuries in hospital.
Emergency Response and Official Investigation
Gauteng Emergency Services swiftly responded to the crash. They transported five patients to Sebokeng Hospital and two others to Kopanong Hospital for further medical care. The injured bus driver was also among those taken for treatment. Police confirmed the incident is under investigation and that the truck driver will be questioned. Provincial education minister Matome Chiloane stated the bus driver would also be investigated for possibly driving recklessly.
The scene was one of profound grief, with parents weeping uncontrollably as emergency services personnel recovered scattered books and stationery.
National Outcry and Calls for Road Safety
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound sadness, pledging that national and provincial authorities would provide necessary psychosocial support to the affected families and schools. "Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can — from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers," Ramaphosa said.
Echoing the call for greater safety, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube highlighted that many accidents involving school transport are caused by driver error. She urged the Department of Transport to ensure vehicles used to ferry schoolchildren are fully roadworthy.
