Bus Accident Claims Lives Of Six Pupils In Free State
A devastating bus accident in the Free State has left six pupils dead and 48 injured. The incident occurred when a bus carrying 58 pupils from Riebeeckstad High School overturned on the R70 Ventersburg-Senekal road, about 30km from Ventersdorp.
The students were returning to Welkom after attending a sports event at the Moolmanshoek Nature Reserve near Ficksburg and Rosendal.
According to the Department of Basic Education, the bus lost control after a wheel came loose, leading to the tragic overturning.
Six pupils were pronounced dead at the scene, while 40 sustained minor injuries, eight had moderate injuries, and four were critically injured. The injured students were promptly rushed to various hospitals in Senekal and Welkom for treatment.
The exact number of staff members on the bus and whether any of them were injured is still unclear. The principal of Riebeeckstad High School, Betsi Schoeman, shared the heartbreaking news on the school’s Facebook page on Tuesday evening.
Expressing her condolences, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga stated that this tragedy was not something any parent expects when their children go on a school excursion. Minister Motshekga called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Teenager Rescued After Party Gone Wrong At Lion’s Head Summit
The Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, expressed his grief over the loss of young lives and the impact it has on the province’s future. He emphasised the profound impact this tragedy has had on the community and extended his sympathies to the families affected by this devastating event.
As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that it will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident and provide answers to the grieving families and community.
Want to join the conversation?
Checking sign-in…