12 learners injured after taxi crashes into a wall in Halfway Gardens

Update, 6 February, 11am

Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar has confirmed the driver of the vehicle which crashed into a wall on Third Road, leaving 12 teenage learners injured, has been arrested for reckless and negligence driving.

According to Minnaar, the driver lost control and crashed through the steel gates of a private estate and the wall of a house. “The learners all sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital. The driver was not injured and arrested. He was charged with reckless and negligent driving,” he said.

“The Metro police condemns the bad driving behaviour and will ensure that this case gets to court. The ages of the learners were between 12 and 16.”

Brian Govender, public relations officer for the Midrand Learner Transport Association said that the driver will be fired from their organisation. “He will stand on his own on this charge because he made the decision to drive that way. He will have no defence from Midrand Learner Transport Association.”

Govender also said they will hold a workshop revolving around safety in scholar transport.

[6 February, 8.41am]

A minibus taxi said to be transporting schoolchildren has crashed into a wall on the corner of Seventh and 3rd roads in Halfway Gardens on the morning of 6 February.

CEO of Ria Sebetsa Security, Danny Maduray said the incident occurred when the taxi driver allegedly lost control and crashed into a complex wall in Halfway Gardens.

Maduray added that approximately 12 schoolchildren were in the vehicle during the crash. Emer-G-Med and Netcare911, along with the Metro police and Ria Sebetsa are currently on the scene to assist.

Metro police are on the scene after a taxi crashed into a wall in Halfway Gardens. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

This is a developing story and updates will follow.

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