Vaal scholar transport tragedy: Death toll rises to 14 as two more children succumb to injuries
Mapaballo Borotho
- Two more children have died following the Vaal scholar transport accident, raising the death toll to 14.
- The 22-year-old driver now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide and negligent driving.
- Police investigations are ongoing as affected families continue to mourn the tragic loss of young lives.
Two more children from the Vaal scholar transport accident succumbed to their injuries on Thursday morning, bringing the death toll to 14.
This means the 22-year-old scholar transport driver is now facing 14 charges of culpable homicide and negligent driving.
The horrific accident, which occurred earlier this week, has left several families in Vereeniging grieving the loss of their little children, who only left their homes to go to school.
The scholar transport driver was reportedly overtaking several vehicles when he collided with a truck on that fateful day. Twelve learners were declared dead at the scene of the accident.
The truck driver involved in the crash escaped unharmed, while the passenger sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in the hospital.
The tragedy has once again reminded South Africans that reckless driving has dire consequences.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements.
The scholar transport driver remains in police custody.
READ NEXT: ‘Justice will never be enough’: Family of Vaal crash victims breaks its silence