Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Thirteen Schoolchildren in South Africa

Tue Jan 20 2026 05:22:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating road accident in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, has resulted in the deaths of thirteen young students. The minibus they were traveling in collided with a lorry early Monday morning, sparking outrage and calls for improved road safety.

A tragic incident occurred in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, where thirteen schoolchildren lost their lives after their minibus crashed into a lorry. This heartbreaking event has raised concerns over road safety and led to a police investigation into culpable homicide. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sorrow and called for better measures to protect students during transport.

Thirteen school pupils have died in South Africa after the minibus they were travelling in collided with a lorry south of Johannesburg. The crash happened on Monday morning at around 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) in Vanderbijlpark, according to the local education authority.

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, said police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.

Masondo added that a case of culpable homicide would be opened. The minibus driver is reportedly receiving treatment in hospital, while details regarding the lorry driver remain unclear.

Fatal road collisions are unfortunately common in South Africa due to factors such as rampant speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2025, South Africa reported 11,418 deaths due to such crashes, averaging about 31 deaths a day.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his distress over the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation’s children. '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,' he stated.