Two learners, baby and nanny killed in two accidents in Ekurhuleni

Two school children, an elderly woman and a toddler were killed in two separate accidents in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday morning.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services from Rynfield and Daveyton Fire stations responded to an accident involving two vehicles on Fifth Street in Cloverdene, Benoni shortly before 8am, William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, said.

On arrival, paramedics found a seven-seater vehicle, transporting 14 school children to school, had collided with another vehicle with a mother and her two children.

Two young girl scholars were declared dead on the scene while the 12 others were taken to Sunshine Hospital with serious injuries.

The mother and her two children in the car were not injured.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Ekurhuleni traffic officers, Ntladi said.

In the second incident in KwaThema, a baby of about six months and an elderly woman, apparently her nanny, were killed instantly when hit by a truck at the intersection of Joe Mzamane and Marule streets.

It is believed the woman had the baby on her back and she was walking down the pavement when the incident happened.

Gauteng Department of Education has expressed its shock at the tragic death of the two learners in Benoni.

“The Gauteng Department of Education has learned with shock and sadness of the loss of two pupils in an accident while travelling to school today,” the department said in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.

“One learner was in Grade 9 at Petit High School, while the other learner was in Grade 4 at Spark Primary School.

“It is believed the driver of the Toyota Venture collided with a car before rolling several times. About fourteen learners were travelling with the private transport. Eleven learners and the driver have been hospitalised.

“The department is providing the necessary support and counselling to the family, affected educators and the learners.