Dashcam Video Footage Shows How Vanderbijlpark Scholar Transport Crash Happened

Newly surfaced video footage has provided chilling insight into how the deadly scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark unfolded, as investigations continue into the tragedy that claimed the lives of 12 learners, according to the Gauteng Department of Health.

The footage, recorded from a camera mounted inside the truck involved in the collision, shows the truck travelling at a steady speed while multiple vehicles pass safely in the opposite direction.

Moments later, the scholar transport minibus taxi suddenly appears in the oncoming lane, directly in the path of the truck.

With only seconds to react, the minibus is seen attempting to veer towards its right-hand shoulder in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to avoid the collision. At the same time, the truck also appears to move left, towards the same side the taxi was fleeing to.

The manoeuvres, however, come far too late, and a violent head-on collision occurs almost immediately.

While the footage suggests evasive action by both vehicles, it is unclear from the video whether the truck driver had sufficient time or space to significantly reduce speed before impact.

The crash occurred on Monday morning, 19 January 2026, involving a scholar transport minibus taxi and a truck travelling in the opposite direction near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal.

Initial reports during the unfolding emergency cited varying death tolls. The Gauteng Department of Health has since officially confirmed that 12 learners lost their lives, urging the public and media to rely on verified updates during major incidents.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has previously stated that preliminary investigations suggest the scholar transport driver was attempting to overtake multiple vehicles when the collision occurred.

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“The private scholar transport driver was trying to overtake multiple vehicles at the same time,” Chiloane said earlier. “As he was overtaking, the truck came from the opposite direction.”

Several learners were injured in the crash, with some remaining under intensive medical care. Authorities had warned early on that the situation was fluid due to the severity of injuries.

The South African National Taxi Council Santaco has renewed calls for stricter oversight of scholar transport, emphasising that learner safety must never be compromised by time pressure or operational shortcuts.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the affected families and confirmed that psychological and trauma support will be provided to learners, families, and school communities impacted by the tragedy.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue, stating that all available evidence, including the video footage, will be carefully analysed to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.