At least 13 schoolchildren were killed on Monday morning, January 19, 2026, when a truck collided with a school minibus in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng province.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 7 a.m. as the minibus was transporting pupils to various primary and high schools in the southwest of Johannesburg.
Witnesses reported that the minibus was overtaking stationary vehicles when it struck the truck head-on. Preliminary reports indicated that 11 children died at the scene, while two more succumbed to injuries later in hospital.
Five other pupils sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Sebokeng Hospital, while two others were taken to Kopanong Hospital for urgent care.
The bus driver also suffered injuries and was hospitalized.
Police confirmed that the incident is under investigation and said the truck driver will be questioned.
Emergency Response and Grief
Emergency workers described harrowing scenes as they pulled children from the wreckage. Parents were seen weeping uncontrollably while rescuers collected scattered books and stationery.
“The problem is that the carriages are twisted, so the metal is twisted with the people inside,” one emergency official told local media, describing the difficulty of rescue operations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sadness at the tragedy, promising psychosocial support for affected families and schools.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets, and we must do all we can — from observing the rules of the road to the quality-of-service providers appointed to transport scholars — to protect learners,” Ramaphosa said.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube noted that many school transport accidents are linked to driver error.
She urged the Department of Transport to ensure that vehicles used for transporting children are roadworthy.
The crash is one of the deadliest involving school transports in South Africa in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and the protection of young learners.
As investigations continue, families and communities in Gauteng are left grappling with grief and unanswered questions about how such a tragedy could occur.
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