11 schoolchildren involved in accident
MIDRAND – Learner transporter with an expired vehicle licence involved in car accident.
A private learner transporter vehicle carrying 11 schoolchildren from Midrand Primary and Noordwyk Primary schools was involved in an accident on 29 September on the corner of Liebenberg and Poplar roads in Noordwyk, Midrand.
The Department of Basic Educations spokesperson, Oupa Bodibe said one of the principals was already at school when he received a call from a school governing body chairperson who was at the accident scene. Bodibe explained, “The principal immediately rushed to the scene and, upon his arrival, some parents from the schools, members of the community and scholar transport operators were already there, assisting and comforting pupils who were still in shock.
“Emergency personnel, Metro police and parents were urgently contacted. The emergency personnel’s response was immediate and pupils were quickly assessed. The paramedics’ report indicates that pupils sustained minor injuries.
“Some parents immediately collected pupils, while others were taken to school to wait for their parents.”
He revealed that one of the pupils complained of chest pains. After examination by paramedics, she was taken to a hospital and, fortunately, has since been cleared of any serious injuries.
Speaking about the vehicle, he said privately-owned transport is authorised by parents and used to transport pupils to and from school. “We wish the pupils a speedy recovery as they receive counselling,” he said.
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A witness at the scene of the accident, Midrand Learner Transport public relations officer, Brian Govender said the children were shaken by the accident but they did receive help. He also took the opportunity to emphasise, as always stated in Midrand Learner Transport Association meetings that parent must be careful when choosing a transporter. “Parents should avoid using unidentified transporters and they should make sure a transporter has a valid vehicle and driver’s licence.”
Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s spokesperson Wayne Minnaar confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was fined R1 000 for an expired licence disc.
