The number of deaths from a tragic scholar transport crash in the Vaal has risen to 12.
A private scholar transport vehicle carrying schoolchildren collided with a side tipper truck on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark on Monday morning. At least 11 pupils were pronounced dead at the scene and several others were injured. One of the injured later died in hospital, bringing the total to 12.
Emergency services, police and rescue teams attended the scene as worried parents gathered nearby.
Three learners and the transport driver were critically injured and taken to local hospitals for urgent medical care.
“Eleven learners have tragically died, Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal. The incident occurred when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck while ferrying pupils to schools https://t.co/DTnoW3qTbS” / X
— Billy jay (@BillyjaydenL) January 19, 2026
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the scene as “unbearable” and said the incident has shocked the province.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane offered condolences to families and called for greater vigilance around scholar transport, especially private services. He said the Department of Education will support affected families and school communities.
Police confirmed they are investigating 12 counts of culpable homicide as part of the ongoing probe into the crash.
Authorities are urging all scholar transport operators and motorists to exercise extra care on the roads.
