Vanderbijlpark Crash Update: One Learner Remains Unidentified Among 12 Dead
Topic: Accident Update | Source: Gauteng Dept. of Education | Status: Developing Story
The aftermath of the horrific scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark continues to unfold. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that while the death toll stands at 12, one child remains unidentified.
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| GDE Spokesperson Steve Mabona addressing the media at Hoërskool Vanderbijl. |
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona briefed the media at Hoërskool Vanderbijl, calling for sensitivity as families face the agonizing task of identification at the government mortuary.
The Heartbreaking Search
In a tragic twist, one of the 12 deceased learners has not yet been identified by family members. "Out of the 12 learners who passed away, we still have one unidentified child," Mabona stated.
Officials have been deployed to the government mortuary to assist distraught families who arrive to identify their loved ones. The department remains confident that the child will be identified soon.
Hospital Updates & Driver Status
Three learners are currently fighting for recovery:
- Public Hospitals: Two learners remain in state facilities.
- Private Care: One learner was transferred to a private hospital on Monday night following parental intervention.
Fortunately, one learner treated at Kopanong Hospital has been discharged and is not in critical condition. The truck assistant involved in the crash has also been discharged.
The 22-year-old scholar transport driver was discharged from the hospital on Monday night. Mabona confirmed, "We are aware that the driver was discharged last night and is being processed by the police."
Loss Across Schools
The tragedy has affected multiple institutions in the Vaal area:
El Shaddai Independent School
4 Learners lost.
Hoërskool Vanderbijl
2 Learners lost.
Single Fatalities
Vaal High, Oakwood Primary, Vaal Triangle Primary, Oliver Lodge Primary, and Noordhoek Primary each lost 1 learner.
Unidentified
1 Learner remains unidentified.
A Plea for Dignity
Mabona issued a stern warning against the circulation of unverified content and AI-generated images on social media.
"It is unnecessary for people to create graphics and circulate them while families are mourning. How must families feel when pictures of children who are not theirs are shared and people pretend to grieve with them?"
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane and Premier Panyaza Lesufi are visiting bereaved families today. A consolidated statement from the transport and community safety departments is expected later this afternoon.
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