UPDATE: Death toll of children rises after horror bus crash in South Africa

A devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle has claimed the lives of at least 13 school learners in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, on Monday morning, 19 January 2026.

Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi carrying the pupils was involved in a collision with a side tipper truck.

The impact forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.

In addition to the 11 fatalities confirmed at the scene, five other learners sustained critical injuries and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.

The death toll then rose to 13 after two succumbed to their injuries.

The learners were en route to school at the time of the incident, transforming what should have been a routine journey into a heartbreaking tragedy that has left families, schools, and the wider community in mourning.

The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation, with the cause yet to be determined.

Emergency services, including paramedics and police, responded swiftly to the scene, where the area has been cordoned off to facilitate forensic examinations and accident reconstruction efforts.

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane is en route to the site to join police and emergency personnel.

Officials have indicated that a comprehensive update will be provided as further details emerge.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona stated: “We don’t have much detail at this stage, but the scene remains active and emergency services are attending to those involved in this tragic accident.”

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said that “it really is a tragic day for us as the Department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected.”

“We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport.”

The Department of Basic Education said that it stands ready to provide psychosocial support to affected learners, educators and families, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education.

As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Minister Siviwe Gwarube urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly during peak school transport hours, and reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of all vehicles used to transport learners.

This incident has once again highlighted ongoing concerns regarding road safety for scholar transport vehicles in the province, with authorities expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of the crash.

A comprehensive 2025 review of the sector identified widespread issues, including reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles, inappropriate vehicle types, and frequent traffic accidents.

Beyond mechanical failures, reports point to additional problems such as crime, corruption, and mismanagement of funds allocated for learner transport.