A tragic scholar transport accident in KwaMashu, north of Durban, has left one child dead and 14 others injured after a minibus taxi carrying young pupils overturned on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while the driver initially fled the scene following the crash.
The accident happened in the Mount Moriah area when a minibus taxi transporting children from local daycare centres lost control and overturned. Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the injured children, many of whom were badly shaken and required medical attention.
Sadly, one child died as a result of the crash, while 14 others were injured. The injured pupils were transported to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital where they received treatment. Authorities and medical teams worked quickly to ensure the children were stabilised and cared for following the traumatic incident.
According to initial reports, the minibus taxi may have suffered brake failure before the crash occurred. The owner of the vehicle reportedly told authorities that the driver had contacted him shortly after the accident, claiming that the vehicle’s brakes had failed. Investigators are now working to determine whether mechanical problems or negligence played a role in the tragedy.
However, what shocked many community members was that the driver allegedly fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving the injured children behind. This sparked anger and concern among residents, who questioned how someone responsible for transporting children could abandon them during such a crisis.
Local resident Nhlakanipho Mkhize expressed frustration over the incident, suggesting the accident might have been prevented if the vehicle had been properly maintained. He said that brake problems usually show warning signs before failing completely, and drivers transporting children should ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed condolences to the family of the child who lost their life in the accident. He also urged the driver to hand himself over to the police so that the circumstances surrounding the crash can be fully investigated.
Duma confirmed that the provincial government has mobilised several departments to support the affected families and children. The Department of Health is ensuring that injured pupils receive proper medical care, while the Department of Education is coordinating assistance for the children and their schools. Social workers from the Department of Social Development will also provide trauma counselling and psychological support to help the children and their families cope with the emotional impact of the accident.
Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Inspectorate is working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate the crash and determine whether the minibus taxi was roadworthy. Authorities will also examine whether all scholar transport regulations were followed.
The tragedy has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of scholar transport vehicles in South Africa. Parents and community members are calling for stricter monitoring of vehicles that transport children to ensure that such devastating incidents do not happen again.
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