20 learners die in minibus accident

MEC for education in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi was rushing to the scene.

Photo: Virginia Keppler.

About 20 learners died after the minibus transporting them was involved in an accident on Groblersdal Road, just past Bronkhorstspruit on Friday.

MEC for education in Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi said he was rushing to the scene and the Gauteng department of education said more information would be shared in due course.

On Twitter, Lesufi said it was believed the minibus caught fire in the fatal accident.

Speaking to The Citizen, Lesufi said his spirits were down at the news.

I am told almost 18 learners died in this accident. I am on my way to the scene. It's a dark day for education in GP/MP https://t.co/JXtM60ICNX

— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 21, 2017

MEC for Gauteng education Panyaza #Lesufi says his spirit is down after 18 learners died on their way to Gauteng. #VK pic.twitter.com/AVvsvo7tl9

— Virginia Keppler-Young (@VKeppler) April 21, 2017

#Panyaza says the accident happened between Bronkhorstspruit and Groblersdal. #VK

— Virginia Keppler-Young (@VKeppler) April 21, 2017

#Panyaza says the vehicle burst into flames trapping the learners inside. #VK

— Virginia Keppler-Young (@VKeppler) April 21, 2017

#Panyaza says he is currently rushing to the scene. #VK

— Virginia Keppler-Young (@VKeppler) April 21, 2017

ER24 confirmed 20 children were killed in the fatal accident and that the minibus had collided with a truck.

https://twitter.com/ER24EMS/status/855414256673726468

https://twitter.com/ER24EMS/status/855410729129840640

https://twitter.com/ER24EMS/status/855410118565003264

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found the fire services already in attendance.

“Fire services had already extinguished the burning vehicle, which was found lying on its side. Paramedics assessed the scene and found that approximately 20 children had been inside the vehicle when it collided with the truck,” he said.

“Once the flames had been extinguished, paramedics found the children lying trapped inside the vehicle. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for the children and they were declared dead on the scene. Several other children were found on the scene. It is believed that these children had been pulled out of the taxi by members of the community.”

He said that paramedics assessed the children and found that seven children had sustained injuries raging from minor to critical. They were treated on the scene before they were taken to hospital for further medical treatment.

The cause of the collision was not known and would be investigate.