Three learners sustained minor injuries while six others escaped unharmed following a collision involving a Toyota Quantum scholar transport vehicle and a light VW sedan on Kingfisher Avenue in Elspark, Germiston, on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services received the call at 07:31 and immediately dispatched rescue teams to the scene.

Two fire and rescue teams from the Wadeville and Vosloorus fire stations, each consisting of six personnel, responded swiftly to provide emergency assistance.

According to reports, the Toyota Quantum was transporting learners from different schools across the city at the time of the crash.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi confirmed that on arrival, none of the occupants were trapped inside either vehicle.

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“The scholar transport vehicle was carrying nine scholars. Three sustained minor injuries, while the remaining six scholars, along with the driver, were not injured.

“The driver of the VW sedan also escaped without injury. The three injured scholars were transported by a private ambulance to a nearby medical facility for further medical assessment.

“Traffic flow along Kingfisher Avenue was affected for the duration of the rescue and recovery operation.

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“City of Ekurhuleni traffic officials conducted the crash investigations after the incident was handed over by emergency responders.

“Residents are reminded to contact the City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services at 011 458 0911 for any life-threatening emergencies,” said Ntladi.

The rising number of crashes involving scholar transport vehicles has raised serious concern among parents, civil organisations, and law enforcement.

Last year, on the first day of school, a scholar transport bus was involved in a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Black Reef Road and Kasteel Street in Dinwiddie, Germiston.

The bus, privately operated and transporting learners from Ramaphosa, Delmore, Dukathole, and Makause informal settlements to Katlehong High School, collided with seven light motor vehicles. Fortunately, no learners were injured.

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However, a recent scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark that claimed the lives of 12 pupils has sparked nationwide mourning and renewed calls for stricter government and law enforcement intervention.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the driver is expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.

As the 2026 academic year resumes, the EMPD prioritises scholar transport safety. The department has intensified monitoring, vehicle inspections, and enforcement to ensure compliance with transport safety regulations.

Parents and guardians are urged to verify that drivers hold valid licences with professional driving permits (PrDPs), that vehicles are roadworthy, not overloaded, and are fitted with proper seating and seatbelts. Transport operators should be reputable and, where possible, affiliated with recognised scholar transport associations.

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“Overloading remains a major concern and is strictly prohibited,” said the EMPD spokesperson, Katlego Mphahlele.

“The EMPD will impound unroadworthy or illegally operating vehicles and continues to work with parents, schools, and law enforcement to put learner safety first.”