In a heartbreaking event, five children lost their lives on Wednesday when a train collided with a school bus in South Africa, causing injuries to 20 others, as reported by the transport ministry.
The tragic incident took place in the afternoon near the village of Mafube, in close proximity to Middelburg, which is approximately 180 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of Johannesburg, according to local sources.
Confirming the dreadful accident, the government’s statement revealed, “A tragic accident at a level crossing, involving a bus and a train… resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to 20 others.”
Expressing sorrow over the loss, Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa emphasized, “The safety of our children is paramount, and it is heartbreaking to witness such a loss.”
After the collision, it was reported that the bus driver fled the scene, as mentioned by the transport ministry.
Fortunately, the train driver and crew members escaped without any injuries.
Authorities mentioned that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident, as it remains unclear.
Following the incident, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy urged law enforcement agencies to “intensify their road safety campaign involving scholar transportation,” noting that this was the second major crash involving a scholar transport vehicle in that month.
Just earlier in July, a tragic incident claimed the lives of 12 children when a minibus they were traveling in overturned and caught fire after a collision with another vehicle near Johannesburg.
In response to the recurring tragedies, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed, “This tragedy, which regretfully is not the first of its kind to confront us, demands that we exercise our obligation to protect our children with the utmost care,” while extending his condolences.
South Africa boasts one of the most developed road networks on the continent, yet it grapples with one of the worst road safety records, attributed in part to reckless driving and the prevalence of unroadworthy vehicles.
Privately owned minibus taxis serve as the primary mode of transport for many working-class South Africans.
Given the reliance on private minibuses, numerous parents depend on them to ensure their children’s transportation to school.
AFP.