'We are not coping': grief overwhelms community after fatal accident

Vanderbijlpark schools, parents mourn pupils lost in devastating disaster

- By Coceka Magubeni

Family and friends have been left devastated by Monday's deadly rod accident.

(Photos: Nhlanhla Phillips)

It's been a painful week for Mpho Mofukunyane, head for the Foundation Phase at El Shadai Private School in Vanderbijlpark.

The school lost four pupils in the tragic accident involving a scholar transport minibus and a truck, which claimed the lives of 14 pupils who were on their way to school on Monday.

"It was a painful week. We always hear about tragedies like this from a distance, without fully understanding the emotional depth and impact until it happens closer to home."

Mofukunyane said visiting the accident scene left her traumatised.

"I saw a child's hand hanging through the window and another child already lying on the ground. The taxi was torn into two pieces. That sight will never leave my mind. We are not coping, and our children are not coping either. I cannot even begin to imagine how the parents are feeling."

She said classmates of the deceased were battling to accept the loss.

"We had psychological assistance, but we also invited a pastor for prayer. Teachers had to step in to comfort and support the children and show them love. We are trusting God for healing," she said.