WATCH: School transporter ploughs through complex wall

ONE child escaped serious injury when the school transporter she was sitting in suddenly plunged backwards down an embankment and into the Watercrest Mews security complex in Empangeni this afternoon.

The driver of the vehicle had allegedly picked up one young child from Dribbles and Scribbles Pre Primary School before stopping to fetch passengers at St Nicholas Pre Primary.

At around 1pm he left the vehicle unattended with the young girl in the front seat, while he went into St Nicholas to fetch their learners for their homeward trip.

Shortly after he had left the vehicle, it began rolling backwards, ploughed through a dividing wall, and came to rest precariously balanced against a Watercrest Mews simplex that neighbours the pre-school.

ALSO READ: Special service for uMhlathuze City servant

Horrified neighbours converged on the scene, thinking the rear of the vehicle – a thin, fibreglass canopy that was crushed – contained little students from the school.

St Nicholas head Mrs Isabelle van Wyk, said she heard a ‘loud crash’ and ran outside the investigate.

‘I’m so grateful that there were no children in here,’ she said, shaking with relief.

The driver, who was on scene but refused to provide his name, said the handbrake had malfunctioned.

He was, however, prepared to say that the child in the passenger seat was unharmed.

We were unable to talk to her, as her parents had arrived minutes after the incident and removed her from the scene.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer