Thirteen school pupils have been killed in South Africa after a minibus carrying learners collided with a lorry south of Johannesburg, authorities said.
The crash occurred at around 7:00 a.m. local time on Monday in Vanderbijlpark, according to the Gauteng department of education. Eleven pupils died at the scene, while two later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Two other learners remain in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the minibus driver lost control after attempting to overtake two vehicles and crashed into the lorry. A case of culpable homicide will be opened, he added.
The minibus driver is reportedly receiving treatment in hospital, while the condition of the lorry driver remains unclear, the education department said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the crash as “distressing” and urged stronger measures to protect schoolchildren.
“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets, and we must do all we can — from observing the rules of the road to ensuring the quality of transport services for learners — to protect them,” the president said.
Deadly road accidents remain common in South Africa, driven by speeding, reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2025, 11,418 people were killed in traffic accidents — an average of about 31 deaths a day — despite a slight decline from the previous year.
