Eleven learners have lost their lives following a devastating crash involving a scholar transport minibus taxi and a side tipper truck in Vanderbijlpark, near Vereeniging, on Monday morning, 19 January 2026.
According to initial information, the scholar transport minibus was involved in a collision with a side tipper truck under circumstances that are still being investigated. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in the deaths of eleven school children at the scene.
Five other learners sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. Their conditions remain serious, and medical teams are continuing to monitor them closely.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, which remained active for several hours as paramedics, traffic authorities, and law enforcement worked to manage the aftermath of the crash. The road was partially closed to allow for rescue operations and investigations.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is expected to visit the scene of the accident and engage with affected families. The MEC is also scheduled to brief the media once preliminary assessments and reports have been reviewed.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with families left devastated and schools plunged into mourning. The crash occurred just days after the start of the 2026 academic year, turning what should have been a hopeful new beginning into a period of profound grief.
Read | 2 pupils die as their scholar transport bus crashes into building in Limpopo
Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the collision, including the movements of both the scholar transport vehicle and the side tipper truck prior to the crash. Further verified details will be released as they become available.
SA Trucker extends heartfelt condolences to the families, schools, and communities affected by this heartbreaking loss.
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