A tragic accident involving a scholar transport vehicle left at least 18 schoolchildren injured this morning after the vehicle overturned on the N3 Durban-bound highway before the Mariannhill Toll Plaza.
According to reports, emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Upon arrival, paramedics were met with a chaotic and distressing scene — the transport vehicle lay on its roof, and several injured pupils were scattered nearby, crying out in pain and shock.
ALS Paramedics Medical Services confirmed that multiple children sustained injuries of varying severity. Paramedics immediately began treating the young victims at the roadside before transporting them to various nearby hospitals for further medical care. It is believed that some of the pupils suffered serious injuries, while others sustained moderate to minor wounds.
Witnesses who were travelling along the busy N3 at the time described the scene as horrifying. One motorist said the crash appeared to have happened suddenly, causing traffic to back up for several kilometres as emergency responders worked tirelessly to assist the injured and clear the wreckage.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear at this stage. However, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities will examine whether mechanical failure, speeding, driver fatigue, or road conditions played a role in the tragic incident.
The Mariannhill Toll Plaza area is known for heavy traffic, especially during morning rush hour when many children are being transported to school. Safety experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of some scholar transport vehicles and the importance of regular maintenance checks to ensure the safety of pupils.
Parents of the affected children were reportedly notified immediately after the crash, with many rushing to the hospitals where their children were admitted. Emotional scenes unfolded as worried parents arrived, desperate for updates on their loved ones’ conditions.
ALS Paramedics spokespersons commended their teams for their swift response under difficult circumstances and reminded the public about the importance of road safety and cautious driving, particularly when transporting children.
Authorities have urged all motorists travelling along the N3 this morning to exercise patience as cleanup operations and investigations continue. The road has since been partially reopened, but traffic remains slow in the area.
This devastating accident has once again drawn national attention to the safety of scholar transport vehicles in South Africa. Many are calling for stricter regulations, regular vehicle inspections, and enhanced driver training to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, the public is urged to keep the injured pupils and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
About the Author
