VANDERBIJLPARK – Eighteen learners escaped a potentially deadly accident after the scholar transport vehicle they were travelling in overturned on the N1 highway this morning (November 3).

The white Toyota Quantum was transporting the learners to various schools in the Vanderbijlpark area when the accident happened at approximately 06:40.

According to police, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle after the left front tyre burst, causing it to veer off the road before overturning.

Sedibeng District police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed the incident.

Maxambela said the learners and driver were transported to Levai Mbatha Clinic, Nkanyezi Private Clinic and Mediclinic Vanderbijlpark for medical attention.

“The nature and extent of their injuries have not yet been confirmed. No fatalities had been reported at the time police visited the scene. Further details will be communicated once verified,” she added.

The accident comes amid renewed concerns over scholar transport safety following the devastating January crash on the old Golden Highway that claimed the lives of 14 learners.

The January 19 collision involved a scholar transport minibus and a side-tipper truck along Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark.

The tragedy left families and communities shattered, with the driver, Ayanda Dludla, subsequently arrested and charged with 14 counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

He was later granted R3 000 bail after spending several months behind bars, with the criminal proceedings still hanging over him.

His release sparked emotional reactions from bereaved families who continue to grapple with the loss of their children.

The Vaal Triangle community is also still reeling from the devastating scholar transport accident last month on the R59 near Sasolburg, which claimed the lives of the driver and three young learners from JCS Independent School.