On the morning of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a bus transporting school children was involved in a collision with a truck on Blackreef Road and Dekema Road, near Wadeville, Germiston. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the incident.
According to Thabiso Makgato, a spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), the pupils were on their way to Segutlong Primary School from Ramaphosa Informal Settlement when the crash occurred. A 12-year-old boy sustained minor injuries, while other children on the bus are being treated for their injuries. “We have no fatalities,” Makgato confirmed, providing some reassurance to concerned parents and the public.
While the accident has drawn attention, it is part of a series of tragic events in the region in recent days. Just the day before, on Tuesday, a bus had crashed on the R21 near OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni. That incident involved multiple casualties, further heightening concerns about road safety in the area.
In the wake of this latest collision, many are left reflecting on the rising number of road accidents that have taken lives across Gauteng. Over the past two days, a total of 22 lives have been claimed in a series of accidents, including the deaths of four pupils on their way to school. The accidents have sparked a renewed call for greater attention to road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly around school zones.
Emergency services have responded swiftly to the scene of the Germiston crash, ensuring that the affected children receive the necessary medical care. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the details of what led to the crash.
As the community comes to terms with this latest tragedy, there are growing concerns about the systemic issues affecting road safety, particularly for schoolchildren. The repeated incidents involving buses and trucks have prompted calls for more stringent measures to protect vulnerable road users, including stricter vehicle inspections and more robust infrastructure improvements.
This crash is just one in a series of incidents that have underscored the urgent need for action to address road safety. With the loss of life on the rise, there is a pressing need for both local authorities and citizens to collaborate in creating safer road environments for all.
In conclusion, while the collision in Germiston did not result in fatalities, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced on South Africa’s roads, especially by children commuting to school. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the broader issue of road safety remains a crucial concern for all communities.