Death toll remains at 12 as three learners remain in ICU, driver in police custody

UPDATE: Death toll remains at 12 as three learners remain in ICU, driver in police custody

Mapaballo Borotho

The death toll from the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport accident remains at 12, Gauteng Health has confirmed, dismissing reports of additional fatalities.
Three learners are currently in ICU at Sebokeng Hospital, while another has been transferred to a private facility for specialised care.
The minibus taxi driver has been taken into police custody as investigations continue.

The death toll in the scholar transport accident that occurred on Monday in Vanderbijlpark remains at 12, despite earlier reports suggesting it had risen to 14.

The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed this on Tuesday morning. The Department’s spokesperson, Kealeboga Mohajane, reiterated that only 12 learners were confirmed deceased at the scene.

“The Department reiterates that the confirmed number of learners who tragically lost their lives and were collected from the scene remains at 12, as reported yesterday. While moments of crisis can often lead to speculation, the spread of unconfirmed figures and misinformation is causing unnecessary harm,” said Mohajane.

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged members of the public to rely on official government communication channels for accurate and verified updates.

The accident left seven survivors, who were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital and Kopanong Hospital.

At Sebokeng Hospital, four learners and the minibus taxi driver received medical treatment.

Kopanong Hospital treated one learner and one adult, identified as the assistant to the truck driver, for minor injuries. Both were discharged on Monday.

As of Tuesday morning, three learners remain admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sebokeng Hospital. One learner is critically unstable, while the other two are in critical but stable conditions. A fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton on Monday night for specialised care.

The minibus taxi driver was discharged from hospital on Monday and was immediately taken into police custody.

Of the 12 learners who lost their lives, 11 have been formally identified by their families, while one body is still awaiting verification.