Five pupils were confirmed to have lost their lives when a bus collided with a train in Sekhululiwe village, near Mafube Colliery in Middelburg, on July 31, 2024. According to eyewitnesses, the bus, carrying pupils from Moerelig Primary School in Wonderfontein, attempted to cross the railway line despite an oncoming train being mere metres away. Emergency personnel worked tirelessly to remove the trapped bodies. Over 15 learners and the driver sustained various injuries, ranging from minor to serious, with some in critical condition. The scholar bus was transporting 30 pupils.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security, and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie expressed shock over the accident, which he deemed as reckless driving. It is alleged that the bus crossed the railway line while the train was too close, resulting in the crash. The MEC conveyed his condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He further called for a thorough investigation into the crash and stated that the law must take its course to punish those found responsible.
“We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness. People need to take accountability for their negligence,” he said.”Scholar transport and public transport owners must screen drivers before hiring them to know if they are really fit to be trusted with transporting people. They must also regularly educate them, test, and train them to avoid these kinds of incidents,” he added.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, will visit the accident scene today, August 1.
