Overview
- Authorities confirmed 13 learner deaths after a private minibus collided head-on with a side-tipper truck on Fred Droste Road during the morning school run.
- Preliminary accounts indicate the minibus attempted to overtake multiple vehicles before entering oncoming traffic, with police questioning the truck driver as part of an active investigation.
- Police said the minibus was overloaded with 18 occupants, both drivers were hospitalized, and 13 counts of culpable homicide have been registered.
- Several injured pupils were taken to Sebokeng and Kopanong hospitals, with officials reporting multiple critical cases.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gauteng leaders offered condolences and psychosocial support, while the MEC, Santaco and local officials pressed for stricter oversight and safer road infrastructure for learner transport.