Twelve children from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville were killed in an accident between a private scholar transport minibus and a bakkie in Merafong just after 06:00 today.

The minibus driver was also killed.

“It is alleged that the learner transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently catch fire,” says the Gauteng Department of Education.

Eleven of the children were from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.

Seven pupils were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.

“I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event,” Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Matome Chiloane said in a statement.

“The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners.”

The department has dispatched its psycho-social support team to provide immediate support.

The accident is being investigated by police.

WATCH: Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation @matomekopano visited the scene where 11 learners from Rocklands Primary School and 1 learner from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville, along with their driver, lost their lives in a devastating accident. pic.twitter.com/9EFBBiRX4a

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) July 10, 2024