Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives of 13 Schoolchildren in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

A devastating road accident occurred on Monday morning, January 19, 2026, in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, claiming the lives of 13 schoolchildren. The crash took place on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, a route reportedly notorious for reckless driving.

The accident involved a private scholar transport minibus (Toyota Quantum) and a truck. Preliminary investigations indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake several stationary vehicles when it collided head-on with an oncoming truck. Eleven children died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The victims included both primary and high school students. Five other children sustained critical injuries and were hospitalized.

The minibus was reportedly overloaded, carrying 18 passengers despite a legal capacity of 14. The 22-year-old driver may not have held a professional driving permit (PrDP) and had been previously warned for unsafe driving behavior. Police have opened a case of culpable homicide and are investigating the circumstances, including driver conduct, vehicle compliance, and licensing.

The minibus driver was injured and is receiving medical treatment in the hospital, where he remains under police guard. He will be formally questioned and potentially face charges once medically cleared. The truck driver also survived, but his condition was initially uncertain. The accident prompted national mourning, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling it "distressing" and national and provincial authorities providing psychosocial support to the affected families and schools.

The incident has also led to renewed calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of safety standards for scholar transport vehicles.