Scholar Transporter Crashes While Fleeing Police With 17 Pupils On Board

Seventeen pupils were rushed to hospital on Monday morning after the scholar transport vehicle they were travelling in crashed while allegedly fleeing from law enforcement officers on the N4 near Atteridgeville in Tshwane.

No fatalities were reported.

N4 Crash Near Atteridgeville After Police Pursuit

The accident occurred at approximately 7am when authorities attempted to pull over a nine-seater Toyota Condor.

According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the driver failed to stop.

Law enforcement pursued the vehicle after it allegedly diverted onto an old dirt road before rejoining the highway, where it collided with a Mercedes-Benz.

All 17 pupils were transported to hospital for medical assessment and treatment.

Driver Found Without Valid Licence

The department confirmed that the driver did not have a valid driving licence at the time of the incident.

Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela condemned the incident.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children.

“Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” stated Diale-Tlabela.

She added: “The driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.”

Authorities have not indicated whether any charges have yet been formally laid.

Scholar Transport Compliance Drive Intensifies in Gauteng

The provincial government has stepped up compliance measures this year following a deadly accident near Vereeniging that claimed the lives of 14 pupils.

In response, the department introduced tighter permit approval requirements and arranged discounted rates at vehicle testing centres to assist operators in meeting safety standards.

Officials were also stationed at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus over the weekend to engage with scholar transport operators and reinforce compliance obligations.

“Scholar transport operators are not just service providers; they are partners in protecting the lives of our children.

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“We are intensifying relations with operators to ensure a safe, reliable, and compliant scholar transport system that parents and schools can trust,” said Diale-Tlabela.

The department confirmed that enforcement of passenger liability insurance compliance has been temporarily relaxed to allow operators time to secure appropriate cover.

“The goal is to build a professional, safe, and sustainable scholar transport system that prioritises learner safety above all else,” the MEC concluded.

Investigations into Monday’s crash are ongoing.