SASOLBURG – The identities of three schoolchildren from a the Free State, who died alongside their scholar transport driver in a head-on collision, have been identified. The children attended at JCS Independent School situated in Vaalpark, a suburb in Sasolburg.

The fatal accident happened last Thursday on the R59 road which connects Sasolburg and Vaalpark. It involved a Mercedes-Benz truck and the minibus scholar transport, a Volkswagen Caravelle.

Constable Kelello Patsa, provincial spokesperson for the police in the Fezile Dabi district, said the accident tragically claimed the lives of two siblings of the Buthelezi family: Amandla (7) and Lwazi (9). The other two deceased are Uriel Govender (6) and the driver Johan Oosthuizen (60).

Patsa said the fourth surviving learner, Dane Greyling (10), was admitted to a hospital in Gauteng while the other three were admitted to a local hospital in Sasolburg. “The three children at a local hospital sustained serious injuries while Dane, who suffered severe injuries was airlifted to Alberton Hospital for emergency treatment,” he said.

ALSO READ: Scholar transport driver in fatal Vaal crash granted R3 000 bail

Patsa said the police in Sasolburg have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. The male driver of the truck survived the collision.

Patsa said according to a report police received, the minibus was travelling from Vaalpark towards Sasolburg when it collided head-on with a truck that was travelling in the direction of Vereeniging. He said a case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigation.

The school held a candlelight service yesterday to pay tribute to those who died in the tragic accident. The school’s management has expressed shock, extend condolences to the bereaved families, and announced that counselling was being offered to learners, staff and parents.