Gauteng Health Revises Vanderbijlpark Scholar Transport Death Toll to 12

The Gauteng Department of Health has officially revised the death toll from the devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, confirming that 12 learners lost their lives in the collision, and not 14 as previously reported.

The department issued a media statement on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, clarifying that the confirmed number of fatalities remains at 12 learners who died at the scene of the crash on Monday morning. The accident involved a scholar transport minibus taxi and a truck travelling in the opposite direction.

According to the department, misinformation circulating during the crisis led to confusion around the number of fatalities, prompting authorities to step in and provide verified figures based on hospital records and reports from the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service (FPS).

MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko appealed to the public and media to rely on official communication channels to prevent further distress to affected families.

“As moments of crisis can often lead to speculation, the spread of unconfirmed figures causes unnecessary harm, fuels confusion, and diverts attention from supporting families and providing medical care to survivors,” the department said.

The department confirmed that seven survivors were initially transported by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services to Sebokeng and Kopanong hospitals. At Sebokeng Hospital, four learners and the minibus taxi driver were admitted and received treatment. Kopanong Hospital treated one learner and one adult, the assistant to the truck driver, both of whom have since been discharged.

As of 07h00 on Tuesday morning, three learners remain admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Sebokeng Hospital. One learner is reported to be critically unstable, while two others are in a critical but stable condition. A fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton on Monday night for specialised care. All the ICU patients are female, aged 10, 15, and 16, while the learner transferred to Alberton is a 17-year-old female.

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The Gauteng Department of Health also confirmed that the scholar transport driver was discharged from hospital and immediately taken into custody by the South African Police Service as investigations continue.

Of the 12 learners who died, 11 have already been formally identified by their families, with one identification still awaiting verification. The Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service aims to finalise all autopsies by close of business on Tuesday to allow families to proceed with dignified funeral arrangements.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has previously stated that preliminary investigations suggest the scholar transport driver was attempting to overtake multiple vehicles when the head-on collision with the truck occurred.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences to the families, schools, and communities affected, confirming that psychological and trauma support will be made available.

Authorities have urged patience as investigations continue, stressing that verified updates will be communicated through official channels as soon as they are confirmed.