Nine learners killed in horrific accident between Mayflower and Dundonald
According to Mr Moeti Mmusi, Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison spokesperson, the deceased are reportedly learners on their way home from school.
MAYFLOWER – Nine school learners were killed after a minibus overturned on the road between Mayflower and Dundonald at about 15:00 on February 16.
Seven people were declared dead at the scene while the eighth person died in hospital.
Another person was found this morning, 17 February, after a search operation was conducted by the police and community members.
It is believed that the body fell into the river upon impact and was trapped between rocks.
Ten passengers sustained moderate to serious injuries and were admitted to Embuleni Hospital in Elukwatini.
According to Mr Moeti Mmusi, Mpumalanga department of community safety, security and liaison spokesperson, the deceased are reportedly learners who were on their way home from school.
“It is not yet clear what caused the crash, but the investigation is underway,” Mr Moeti Mmusi said.
The driver of the minibus has since been arrested and charged with nine counts of culpable homicide, failure to produce an operating license, overloading and operating a vehicle that is not roadworthy among others.
He is expected to appear in the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on February 18.
The victims are aged between Five and 13.
Mr Vusi Shongwe, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.
“Motorists must use the road with due diligence to spare the lives of the innocent,” the MEC said.
