At least 13 schoolchildren were killed on Monday morning, January 19, after a truck collided head-on with a school minibus in Gauteng province, South Africa.
The crash occurred around 7 a.m. in Vanderbijlpark, an industrial city southwest of Johannesburg. The privately operated minibus was transporting pupils to several primary and high schools when the collision happened.
Preliminary reports indicated that 11 children died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Five additional pupils sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
Witnesses said the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with the truck. The bus driver was also injured and taken to hospital.
Gauteng Emergency Services transported five patients to Sebokeng Hospital, while two others were taken to Kopanong Hospital. Police said the incident is under investigation and the truck driver will be questioned.
Parents were seen weeping at the scene as emergency workers collected scattered school books and stationery from the wreckage.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, saying national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to affected families and schools. He stressed the need for strict road safety compliance and proper oversight of school transport providers.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said many school transport accidents were linked to driver error and called on the Department of Transport to ensure vehicles used to carry learners are roadworthy.
The death toll in the scholar transport accident which happened in Vanderbijlpark, Vaal this morning, has risen to 12.🕯️
Our deepest condolences go out to the families, schools, and communities affected by this heartbreaking incident. 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ALJohP5Zuh
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) January 19, 2026
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