WATCH| One Killed, 109 Learners Injured In Limpopo Head-On Crash

A deadly early-morning crash on a Limpopo highway has left one man dead and more than a hundred learners injured, once again throwing the spotlight on road safety and scholar transport compliance.

R510 School Bus Crash Leaves Community Reeling

Authorities confirmed that the collision happened at around 6.10am on Thursday on the R510 between Thabazimbi and Northam, near the Amanda mine in Limpopo’s Waterberg district. A Volkswagen bus carrying learners was involved in a head-on crash with a Toyota Hilux bakkie.

According to departmental spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala, initial findings suggest the bakkie was overtaking when the crash occurred.

“The driver of the Toyota Hilux, a 58-year-old man, was fatally injured,” Taueatsoala said.

“All 109 passengers, who were schoolchildren, sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.”

109 Injured Learners Rushed to Hospital

Emergency services transported the injured pupils to nearby medical facilities for care. Taueatsoala said that 103 learners were admitted to Thabazimbi Provincial Hospital, while six others were taken to Amandelbult Mine Hospital.

While all the pupils are reported to have suffered minor injuries, officials have pointed to reckless driving as the likely cause of the crash. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

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“The department extends its condolences to the family of the deceased driver and wishes the injured learners a speedy recovery,” Taueatsoala said.

“We urge all road users to exercise caution and to obey traffic rules, especially when transporting vulnerable passengers such as schoolchildren.”

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Limpopo Cracks Down on Illegal Scholar Transport

The crash comes amid intensified law-enforcement efforts targeting scholar transport across Limpopo. The department confirmed that 11 learner transport vehicles were impounded on Wednesday in Ladanna, Polokwane, during a focused operation by the Public Transport Unit.

Officials said the vehicles were operating unlawfully, citing breaches such as invalid permits, unroadworthy conditions and failure to meet safety standards for transporting learners.

“Such conduct places the lives of children at serious risk and undermines government’s commitment to learner safety,” Taueatsoala said.

He added that authorities would take a hard line against non-compliant operators.

“The safety of learners is a non-negotiable priority. Operators who flout the law will face decisive action, including vehicle impoundment, fines and possible criminal prosecution.”

Parents and guardians were also urged to verify that scholar transport services are properly registered and compliant with safety regulations.

The Limpopo incident follows closely on the heels of another devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, where 14 pupils were killed earlier this week. In that case, driver Ayanda Dludla, 22, has appeared in court on multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, abandoned his bail application, and is expected to return to court on March 5.

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