Johannesburg, South Africa — 2026-01-19 Headline: 13 Schoolchildren Killed in Road Crash South of Johannesburg.
A devastating road crash south of Johannesburg has resulted in the loss of thirteen schoolchildren.
The incident occurred when a minibus transporting pupils to school collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark, approximately sixty kilometers from Johannesburg.
According to police, the driver lost control while attempting to overtake other vehicles, leading to the collision.
The death toll rose following the hospitalization of a critically injured child, who later succumbed to injuries. Several other pupils remain seriously injured.
The victims, including both primary and high school learners, were as young as six years old.
The scene was one of shock and grief, with images showing the minibus crushed on the roadside as distraught parents gathered behind police tape. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the scene as devastating, while President Cyril Ramaphosa called for stronger enforcement of road safety laws and improved oversight of school transport services to better protect learners.
This tragedy has once again highlighted South Africa’s road safety crisis, despite the presence of a modern road network.
The incident follows a series of deadly school transport accidents in recent months.
In 2025, more than 11,400 people were killed on South African roads, underscoring the urgent need for safer travel.
Many parents rely on private minibuses due to limited public transport options, making such accidents particularly tragic. Officials have not yet commented on the specific causes of the crash, but Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
