Death toll in Vanderbijlpark learner transport tragedy rises to 14
The death toll from the crash has risen to 14 after two more learners died in hospital, Gauteng health authorities confirmed.
The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that two additional learners have died following the fatal scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark on Monday, January 19, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14.
One of the victims, a 16-year-old girl learner, died in the early hours of Thursday at Sebokeng Hospital, where she had been in a critical condition in the ICU. Despite multiple surgeries and medical interventions, she succumbed to her injuries before a scheduled procedure could be performed.
Another learner, who had been transferred to a private hospital in Alberton, also died, the police confirmed.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed her condolences to the bereaved families.
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“We had hoped and prayed for better outcomes. Despite the tireless efforts of our medical teams, these young lives were lost. We remain deeply saddened and continue to support the families during this difficult time,” she said.
One remaining survivor, a 10-year-old learner, is recovering in the paediatric surgical ward at Sebokeng Hospital. Another injured learner was transferred to a private hospital on Wednesday at the request of the family.
The 22-year-old driver of the scholar transport vehicle faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. He appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court today, January 22, where he abandoned his bail application. Police are continuing investigations and gathering witness statements to determine the full circumstances of the crash.
Authorities have urged the public to allow investigations to proceed without speculation and to respect the privacy of the affected families.
