Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Thirteen Schoolchildren in South Africa

Tue Jan 20 2026 00:34:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A minibus carrying schoolchildren collided with a lorry near Johannesburg, resulting in the death of thirteen pupils. The accident raises questions about road safety in South Africa.

In a devastating accident in South Africa, thirteen schoolchildren lost their lives after the minibus they were traveling in collided with a lorry. The crash occurred early Monday morning in Vanderbijlpark, resulting in eleven deaths at the scene and two more later due to injuries. Local authorities report that the driver of the minibus attempted to overtake two vehicles, resulting in the fatal collision. South Africa continues to face challenges related to road safety, with high fatality rates in traffic incidents.

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 said.

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

The minibus driver was reportedly being treated in hospital, while the details concerning the lorry driver remain uncertain.

Fatal road collisions are tragically common in South Africa, attributed to factors such as rampant speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.

In 2025, 11,418 people died in crashes, equivalent to about 31 deaths a day.

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