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Lerato Mbhiza
THE community of Welkom in the Free State is reeling after a tragic incident involving a school bus transporting learners back from a school event on Tuesday which overturned on the R70 between Senekal and Ventersburg, killing six pupils and injuring scores of others.
The bus had been transporting Hoërskool Riebeeckstad pupils from an outdoor school event in Moolmanshoek near Rosendal to Welkom when the crash happened.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), six children died on scene, while 28 suffered minor injuries, one had severe injuries, and another six pupils were treated for moderate injuries.
Department spokesperson Simon Zwane said it is alleged one of the tyres of the bus came off and the driver lost control of the vehicle, and it overturned.
“Members of the Free State emergency medical services, private emergency medical services, traffic officers and the members of the South African Police immediately attended to the scene.
“Injured school children were transported to various hospitals in Welkom and Senekal.
“Crash investigators from the Road Traffic Management Corporation have been dispatched to the scene to establish all the factors that could have led to this tragic collision,” said Zwane.
The national Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, has sent her heartfelt condolences to the families of six pupils killed in a horror bus crash .
Premier Mxolisi Dukwana also conveyed condolences. “The deaths of those souls have robbed us of the future of our province. Words fail me, and I can only imagine what the families are going through.”
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education expressed its shock and sadness at the death of six learners.
Committee Chairperson Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba said the committee is heartbroken following the news that six girls passed away in a horrific bus accident while being transported from a sports event.
“This is such a tragedy; six young lives ripped away. We mourn with the parents, families, school community and all those affected by this accident.”
“We wish those injured and those recovering in hospital a speedy recovery,” said Mbinqo-Gigaba.
“The committee is saddened by the event. This comes a few weeks after schools began the 2024 academic year and shortly on the heels of the country celebrating the Class of 2023’s excellent pass rate. It is truly sad for the province and South Africa that we have been robbed of these young learners, who are the future of our country.”
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