Three schoolchildren and an adult were killed, and another child is in critical condition after they were crushed by a low bed tow truck in Umhlatazana Road, Chatsworth, south of Durban yesterday.

According to ALS Paramedics paramedics received numerous calls about a horrific collision in Chatsworth just after 08:00.

On arrival, paramedics found total carnage. A low-bed tow truck with a load had somehow lost control, collided with four children walking to school and overturned, coming to rest on its roof.

“More resources were requested to assist with the multiple casualty scene. A triage of the scene was done. It was found that the driver of the truck, believed to be in his thirties, and two children aged six and nine, had sustained major injuries. Unfortunately, there was nothing paramedics could do for them and they were declared dead at the scene,” says ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garreth Jamieson.

Two other children were found to be injured.

One child, estimated to be aged about 10 years old, sustained critical injuries and was stabilised on scene before he was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent care. However, the child later died in hospital.

The second child had sustained moderate injuries and was also stabilised on scene by ALS Paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital.

DA in KZN sympathises with family

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal sent its heartfelt condolences to the families of the three pupils who lost their lives in the crash.

DA Spokesperson on education in KZN, Dr Imran Keeka says, “It is no doubt unbearable for the parents, and tugs on my heartstrings as a parent myself. I cannot imagine their pain and call on them to lean on faith, prayer and forbearance during this impossible time.”

Department yet to meet with families

The KZN Department of Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi confirmed the schoolchildren’s deaths and says the department is yet to meet with the affected families.

“The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal sends its condolences to the families of the pupils and the school. Other details are not known for now,” he says.