Thirteen school pupils have been killed after a minibus carrying learners collided with a lorry south of Johannesburg, in one of the deadliest school transport crashes in South Africa in recent months.
The collision occurred on Monday at around 07:00 local time in the Vanderbijlpark area, according to the provincial education authorities. Eleven children died at the scene, while two others later died from their injuries. Two pupils remain in critical condition in hospital.
Police said the minibus driver attempted to overtake two vehicles before crashing into the lorry. A case of culpable homicide has been opened as investigations continue.
Education officials said the minibus driver is reportedly receiving medical treatment, while the condition of the lorry driver remains unclear.
Deadly road accidents are common in South Africa, often linked to speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. Official data shows that 11,418 people were killed in road crashes in 2025, around six percent fewer than the previous year, but still an average of more than 30 deaths every day.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the incident as distressing, stressing that children are the country’s most precious asset. He called for strict adherence to road safety rules and higher standards for companies responsible for transporting school learners to prevent similar tragedies.