Schoolchildren were thrown from a minibus after it crashed into a wall in Johannesburg yesterday, according to reports. A video of the incident, captured on CCTV in Kensington’s King Edward Street, has circulated on social media.
Children Ejected During Crash
The footage shows the taxi swerving before impact, resulting in the sliding door coming off and children being ejected onto the road, some narrowly avoiding the still-moving wheels. Andre Snyman of eBlokwatch shared the video on Facebook.
Initial attempts to obtain comment from the South African Police Service (SAPS) directed inquiries to the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD). JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla stated the department was initially unaware of the incident, noting that it’s possible officers responded without filing a report, though he expressed doubt that would occur.
Recent Scholar Transport Incidents
This incident occurs amid a series of recent collisions involving school transport. On Monday, a crash on the R553 outside Vanderbijlpark resulted in 14 child fatalities after a Toyota Quantum taxi and a tipper lorry collided. The taxi driver appeared in court yesterday and abandoned his bail application, facing 14 counts of murder.
Also on Monday, a vehicle carrying nine schoolchildren crashed into a tree in KZN, resulting in moderate to minor injuries. On Tuesday, concerned citizens stopped a minibus in Vanderbijlpark found to be carrying 32 children in a 15-seater taxi. Yesterday morning, a collision on the R510 near Thabazimbi involving a bakkie and a bus transporting 109 schoolchildren resulted in one death and injuries to all the children on board. The Limpopo Department of Transport stated the bakkie driver was at fault for overtaking recklessly.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has stated her department will not tolerate reckless behaviour and will work with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the minibus crash occur?
The minibus crashed into a wall in Kensington, Johannesburg, as captured on CCTV footage from King Edward Street.
What was the response from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department?
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla initially stated the department was unaware of the incident, but acknowledged the possibility of a response without a formal report.
What other recent incidents involving school transport have been reported?
A fatal collision occurred on the R553 outside Vanderbijlpark, resulting in 14 child deaths. Other incidents included a crash in KZN, an overloaded minibus in Vanderbijlpark, an abandoned overloaded minibus in Polokwane, and a collision on the R510 near Thabazimbi.
Given the recent surge in incidents involving school transportation, what steps can communities and authorities take to ensure the safety of student travelers?
