No casualties in R71 school bus incident
Authorities confirm no fatalities after a school bus carrying 39 people crashed near Makgobaskloof, injuring 35 passengers.
TZANEEN – The Department of Transport and Community Safety has confirmed that no lives were lost in a school bus accident that occurred on Wednesday, August 20, along the R71 near Makgobaskloof.
The crash involved a Department of Education bus carrying 39 people, including 30 learners and teachers from Silo Special School as well as nine adults from Ga-Chuene.
The vehicle reportedly lost control near Krabberfontein and veered off the road while en route to Letaba Special School in Nkowankowa.
According to departmental spokesperson Matome Taueatsoalo, 35 passengers sustained injuries of varying severity. Two adults were seriously hurt and taken to Tzaneen Mediclinic, while three others with minor injuries were transported to Van Velden Hospital and Letaba Hospital.
Two children suffered moderate to serious injuries and were admitted to the same facilities. A further 28 children sustained minor injuries and also received treatment at Van Velden and Letaba hospitals.
The accident forced authorities to close one lane of the road as emergency personnel rescued passengers and cleared the scene.
Investigations are underway following allegations that the bus driver was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Transport MEC Violet Mathye sent messages of support to the families of those injured and assured the public that the matter is being taken seriously.
