Tragic Bus Collision Claims Lives of Thirteen Schoolchildren in South Africa

Mon Jan 19 2026 22:10:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating accident occurred when a minibus carrying schoolchildren collided with a lorry near Johannesburg, resulting in the deaths of thirteen pupils and leaving others critically injured.

Thirteen schoolchildren tragically lost their lives in South Africa after a minibus collided with a lorry. The accident took place in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, with eleven children dying at the scene, and two others later succumbing to injuries. Authorities reported the minibus driver was attempting to overtake two vehicles when the tragedy struck. In light of such incidents, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need to prioritize children's safety during transportation.

Thirteen school pupils have died in South Africa after the minibus they were travelling in collided with a lorry south of the city of Johannesburg.

The crash happened on Monday morning at around 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) in Vanderbijlpark, the local education authority said.

Eleven students died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries later on. Two other pupils remain in critical condition.

The minibus driver crashed into the lorry after attempting to overtake two vehicles, police spokesperson Mavela Masondo explained.

Masondo noted that a case of culpable homicide would be opened.

The minibus driver was reportedly being treated in hospital, while details regarding the lorry driver's condition remain uncertain.

Fatal road collisions are common in South Africa due to various factors including rampant speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2025, 11,418 people died in crashes - about 6% lower than the previous year, but still averaging 31 deaths a day.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called Monday's crash distressing. He remarked, Our children are the nation's most precious assets, and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of these young lives, highlighting the critical importance of road safety measures in protecting children in transit.