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Thirteen Pupils Killed In South Africa After School Minibus Crashes Into Truck Near Johannesburg
South Africa is in mourning after thirteen schoolchildren lost their lives when a minibus conveying pupils to school crashed into a truck near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, in one of the deadliest student transport accidents recorded this year.
The fatal collision happened on Monday in Vanderbijlpark, an industrial town about 60 kilometres from Johannesburg. Police said the minibus, carrying learners from both primary and secondary schools, attempted to overtake vehicles before colliding with a lorry. Eleven pupils died instantly at the scene, while two others later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Several more remain in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said preliminary findings suggest the driver lost control during the overtaking manoeuvre. He added that a culpable homicide case would be opened as investigations continue.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the minibus driver was receiving medical care, while the condition of the truck driver was still being clarified.
Authorities have not released the ages of the victims, but provincial education minister Matome Chiloane said the children were drawn from both primary and high schools.
Disturbing images from the scene showed the crushed minibus on the roadside as parents and community members gathered behind police lines. Some broke down in grief after being allowed to view the bodies.
Reacting to the tragedy, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the aftermath, saying, “It is a terrible scene.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa also issued a statement of condolence, stressing the need for safer school transportation.
“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 appointed to transport scholars, to protect learners,” the president said.
The crash has renewed attention on South Africa’s poor road safety record, where speeding, reckless driving and unroadworthy vehicles remain widespread.
Government figures show that more than 11,400 people died on South African roads in 2025, even after a slight reduction from the previous year. The figure still represents an average of about 31 fatalities each day.
Many families depend on privately operated minibuses to take children to school due to limited public transport, increasing the risks pupils face daily.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent years. In September, at least five pupils were killed when a school minibus crashed into a creche in KwaZulu-Natal. In July 2024, 11 children, some as young as seven and eight, died after a school minibus overturned and caught fire near Johannesburg.
As investigations continue into Monday’s crash, public pressure is mounting on authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws and improve standards for school transport services nationwide.
