Two children die in Limpopo scholar transport taxi fire
Police have opened culpable homicide cases after two children died in a burning minibus taxi near Apel in Limpopo.
LIMPOPO – Police in the Sekhukhune District have opened two counts of culpable homicide after two schoolchildren died when a minibus taxi caught fire on Wednesday afternoon (May 14).
Incident happened near Apel
The incident occurred at about 15:15 along the Apel Cross Road via the Tswaing gravel road towards Nkotwokwane village.
According to police, a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was transporting about 22 schoolchildren, aged between seven and 10, from school to their homes when the vehicle allegedly caught fire while travelling on the gravel road.
Two children die, seven injured
Two children died inside the burning vehicle. Their identities have not yet been confirmed.
Seven other children sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment, while 13 escaped unharmed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Driver arrested
Police arrested the 44-year-old driver on charges of culpable homicide as well as alleged contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act relating to overloading and failure to produce an operating certificate.
He is expected to appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, May 15.
Limpopo police commissioner expresses condolences
Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe expressed shock and sadness following the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking incident involving young school children. We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those receiving medical treatment a speedy recovery. Police investigations will determine the cause of the incident,” said Hedebe.
Police said investigations are continuing and additional charges may be added.
