DRIVER'S BEHAVIOUR, PERMIT PROBED AFTER 13 KIDS PERISH

'Quantum was overtaking four vehicles when it collided with an oncoming truck'

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

THIRTEEN learners from five schools tragically died at the scene yesterday following a collision on the Golden Highway near Sebokeng. The accident involved a private scholar transport vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, which collided with a truck while allegedly attempting to overtake four cars.

(TIMOTHY BERNARD Independent Newspaper)

THE road was littered with bloodstained school bags, and the wrecked Toyota Quantum lay on its side, only two seats remaining. As emergency personnel laboured frantically among the debris, screams, cries, and fainting parents filled the air.

This was the scene yesterday morning, when a truck and an overloaded scholar transport vehicle carrying 18 people collided head-on in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, killing 13 children.

Police have since opened a case of culpable homicide and warned that additional charges may be added.

Cries of anguish pierced the air as distraught parents collapsed at the scene. Families, classmates, and educators struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss. Some parents rushed to the scene moments after hearing about the accident on social media, still in their pyjamas, only to be confronted with a nightmare.

One mother, who lost two children in the crash, collapsed in agony as emergency personnel tried to assist her.

"Two of my children are dead. I just want to see their bodies. What did I do to God to deserve this? I just want to die?" she cried, unable to stand as grief overwhelmed her.