The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has dismissed unverified reports claiming that the death toll from the gruesome Vanderbijlpark learner transport accident has risen to 14.

In a statement, the department confirmed that 12 learners died in the crash, as previously reported. GDoH warns that the spread of unconfirmed information is causing unnecessary distress to grieving families and communities.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urged the public and media to rely on official communication from the Gauteng Departments of Health and Education. She also recommended using verified reports from hospitals and the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service (FPS).

According to the department, seven survivors were transported by Gauteng EMS to Sebokeng and Kopanong hospitals. At Sebokeng Hospital, four learners and the minibus taxi driver were admitted. Three learners remain in the Intensive Care Unit, with one in a critical but unstable condition and two in a critical but stable condition.
All three patients are female, aged 10, 15, and 16 years old. A fourth learner, a 17-year-old female, was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton for specialised care.

At Kopanong Hospital, one learner and the truck driver’s assistant were treated for minor injuries. Both were discharged on Monday. The minibus taxi driver was also discharged and taken into police custody.

Of the 12 deceased learners, 11 have been positively identified by their families, with one identification still pending. The Gauteng FPS is expected to complete all post-mortems by the end of business today, allowing families to proceed with funeral arrangements.