Cape Town – Two pupils died in a bus accident while at least 63 others were left injured in Wedela, Carletonville on Thursday afternoon.
The bus reportedly veered off the road after it had overturned, ejecting a number of the pupils, said ArriveAlive.
ER24 paramedics found two pupils had died at the scene while others sustained minor to serious injuries.
“Nothing could be done for them, and they were declared dead. On the assessment of the other patients, medics found that the other children, aged between 12 and 18, had sustained minor to serious injuries. The children were treated, and the seriously injured were provided pain-relief medication before being transported to nearby hospitals for further care,” the report said.
[HAPPENING NOW] Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is at Wedela Technical High School in Carletonville today following a fatal scholar bus accident this past Thursday, which claimed the lives of two learners from the school. pic.twitter.com/Q1fAIWuTZx
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) October 21, 2022
In a statement, education department spokesperson, Steve Mabona said that MEC Matome Chiloane visited the deceased’s school, Wedela Technical High School, and later proceed to visit the families of the deceased to convey his condolences.
He also rectified an earlier statement claiming that the bus driver had fled the scene.
“Reports have now confirmed that the bus driver is in fact currently in hospital receiving medical attention, and did not flee the scene of the accident as purported previously. He was among the first to be rushed to hospital when the incident occurred,” said Mabona.
Chiloane said that the incident is saddening and conveyed his sympathy to the affected families.
“We will provide the necessary counseling and support to those affected by this occurrence. We call upon our scholar transport drivers to always be alert and make sure our learners travel safely at all times,” said Chiloane.
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Composed by Olwethu Mpeshe
