Image Source: The Citizen
Local – A scholar transport carrying 17 school children crashed on the N4 Eastbound near Atteridgeville this morning after the driver attempted to evade law enforcement officials, leaving all learners hospitalised with various injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 07h00 when a 9-seater Toyota Condor, significantly overloaded beyond its legal capacity, collided with a Mercedes-Benz.
Reports indicate the driver diverted onto an old dirt road in an apparent attempt to avoid authorities before re-entering the highway, where the collision occurred.
Investigations have revealed the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence, raising serious questions about operator compliance and oversight in the scholar transport industry.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, expressed deep concern over the incident and condemned the driver’s actions in the strongest terms.
“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,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.
All Learners Hospitalised
While no fatalities were reported, all 17 learners sustained varying degrees of injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. The MEC conveyed heartfelt wishes for their speedy recovery and extended support to their families during this distressing time.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for intensified law enforcement operations targeting illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles. MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasised that the driver must be held accountable for endangering innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has committed to strengthening oversight and enforcement measures.
Through the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), the department is intensifying vehicle inspections, law enforcement operations, and stricter compliance monitoring of operators and drivers.
