Scholar Transport Driver Arrested After 12 Pupils Killed In Vanderbijlpark Crash

A 22-year-old scholar transport driver has been arrested following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of 12 pupils in Vanderbijlpark on Monday.

The crash, described as one of the deadliest school transport incidents in recent years, occurred while the pupils were travelling to school. The driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital, where he was treated for injuries sustained during the collision.

Driver To Face 12 Counts Of Culpable Homicide

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the driver is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours.

He will face 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

The accident happened when the scholar transport vehicle collided head-on with a truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Death Toll Confirmed As Police Probe Cause Of Crash

Police revised the death toll on Tuesday after conducting further checks at hospitals and the mortuary.

“After police visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed 12 pupils died at the scene of the accident. Five others were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, and one has since been discharged,” Masondo said.

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The truck driver was not injured in the crash. However, a passenger who was travelling in the truck sustained injuries and remains in hospital.

Masondo confirmed that investigations are ongoing. “Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” he said.

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