29 learners injured after bus overturns in Pietermaritzburg

It is alleged that the bus diverted from the main road and took a small gravel access road to drop some children who attended Madlala Primary School.

Community members, who didn’t want to be named, told Eyethu News that the driver lost control of the bus and overturned.

“This is very shocking. We thank God that no one died. We don’t know why the driver used this road because he usually leaves children on the main road. We suspect that the bus brakes failed and the driver lost control, and as a result, the bus overturned. Children had previously told him they didn’t want him to use this route,” said the residents.

According to ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring, at approximately 07h30 am, ER24 paramedics and several other services arrived on the scene to find the bus on its side on the side of the road.

“The children had already climbed out of the vehicle and were found walking around on the scene. Medics assessed the patients and found that twenty-nine children had sustained minor to moderate injuries. Fortunately, no serious injuries or fatalities were found on the scene. The patients were treated for their injuries and thereafter transported by several services to nearby hospitals,” said Meiring.

Muzi Mahlambi, KwaZulu Natal Department of Education spokesperson, said the Transport Department is helping them in investigating the cause of the accident.

“Children will receive counselling especially since these are primary school learners and they are still in shock,” he said.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Mthokozisi Ngobese, said the driver was arrested and they are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.