The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said two more children have died after the devastating truck accident at Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom, in a statement on Friday, 19 August. READ: Potchefstroom: Five children killed after truck crashed into school TWO MORE VYFHOEK PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS DIE Five children were killed…
in the accident and declared dead at the scene near the N12 Highway on Thursday. The passing of two more learners brings the death toll to seven.
“It is alleged that the truck driver lost control, drove towards the learners as they were standing by the school gate and hit them.
“The MEC for the department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari continues to wish strength to all family members and the school in these trying times,” read the statement.
The provincial department of education said the accident occurred at approximately 14:00 on Thursday.
The driver of a mini truck on its way to Johannesburg from Potchefstroom along the N12 allegedly lost control of the vehicle when a front tyre burst.
The truck ploughed through Vyfhoek Primary School’s fence and instantly killed four learners. The fifth learner died in the ambulance at the scene while paramedics were treating her, said the education department.
According to Vyfhoek Primary School, the learners were waiting for their scholar transport to pick them up.
“This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five learners in this manner is not easy to accept- as a parent and as a caretaker to these learners.
“We are truly lost for words and we plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as parents are still trying to get to terms with this sudden loss,” said North West Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, in a statement on Thursday.
The truck driver was uninjured in the accident. The provincial police are reportedly investigating a case of culpable homicide.
READ:
Monkeypox in South Africa: Fifth case confirmed in GautengPilot whale washes ashore in Cape Town days after Giant SquidYanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara: ‘Feared Khayelitsha gang boss’ opts against applying for bailGirl, 17, stabbed detective with broken bottle after he raped her in police station
