The Gauteng Department of Health has clarified the death toll following the fatal learner transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, confirming that 12 learners lost their lives and dismissing reports suggesting the figure had risen to 14.

In a media statement issued on January 20, the department said the spread of unverified information had caused confusion at a time when families and communities were still coming to terms with the tragedy.

It reiterated that the confirmed number of learners who died at the scene remains unchanged.

According to the department, 11 of the 12 deceased learners have been identified by their families, while one body is still awaiting verification.

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The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service is expected to complete all post-mortem examinations by the end of the day to allow families to proceed with funeral arrangements and dignified send-offs.

The department also provided an update on the condition of survivors.

Seven injured people were transported by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services to Sebokeng and Kopanong hospitals.
At Sebokeng, four learners and the minibus taxi driver were admitted and treated for their injuries.

The taxi driver was later discharged and taken into police custody.

At Kopanong, one learner and an adult, identified as the assistant to the truck driver involved in the collision, were treated for minor injuries and discharged.

As of 07:00 on Tuesday, three learners remained in the intensive care unit at Sebokeng.

One learner was critically unstable, while two others were in a critical but stable condition.

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A fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton on Monday night for specialised treatment. All learners in intensive care are girls aged 10, 15 and 16, while the learner transferred to Alberton is a 17-year-old girl.

MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko appealed to the public, community leaders and the media to rely on official government communication channels for accurate updates.

She warned that the circulation of unconfirmed information causes unnecessary panic and deepens the trauma experienced by grieving families.

The Gauteng Department of Health said it remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates once information has been fully verified.