KRIEL – A learner remains in critical condition following a scholar transport accident in Kriel near Thubelihle on February 04, 2025.
The 30-seater bus, reportedly carrying ten more passengers than its capacity, overturned at the entrance of the township, leaving several learners from Sbongamandla Secondary School injured.
The injured learners were transported to Witbank General, Impungwe, and Evander hospitals.
Initially, three learners were reported to be in critical condition; however, two have since stabilised, while one remains under intensive medical care.
Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Cathy Dlamini, accompanied by eMalahleni Mayor Vusi Nhlapho, visited Witbank Hospital to check on the injured learners and engage with medical staff and families.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with reports suggesting that the driver was intoxicated at the time.
The accident has raised serious concerns about scholar transport safety, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of passenger limits and greater driver accountability.
Just a week before the reopening of schools, MEC for Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, was quoted saying he would deploy transport inspectors on various routes in the province to monitor scholar transport operations.
“The safety of our learners must not be compromised. Parents rely on transport services to safely convey their children, and we urge operators to uphold their responsibilities to the highest standards,” MEC Thomo said in a statement released by his department on January 7.
“Failure to comply with safety regulations will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken against those who do not prioritise safety.”
On July 31 last year, six learners from Morelig Combined School in Wonderfontein, under eMakhazeni Municipality, lost their lives, while others sustained injuries after a school bus collided with a train. The bus, which was transporting approximately 30 learners, allegedly crossed a railway line while the train was approaching.
The horrific accident occurred on the R104 near Mafube Village in Middelburg.
