VANDERBIJLPARK - Police have opened 13 counts of culpable homicide cases following a deadly school transport crash in Vanderbijlpark.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said more charges are expected to be added pending investigations.
READ | UPDATE: Death toll in Vaal scholar transport crash rises to 12
The tragedy occurred on Monday morning when the children were on their way to school along a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, a route notorious for reckless truck driving.
The initial death toll stood at 11, but later rose to 13.
Statements are expected to be obtained from eyewitnesses, including the driver of the scholar bus, who survived the accident.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane said 12 pupils died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
According to Maremane, officials were alerted at around 6am about an accident involving a truck and a minibus taxi carrying schoolchildren.
He says preliminary investigations indicate that the minibus driver attempted to overtake a vehicle in front of him and did not notice an oncoming truck, resulting in a head-on collision.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Gauteng Education Matome Chiloane visited the scene to assess the situation, offer support to the affected families, and engage with emergency services.
“It really is a tragic day for us as the Department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected," Chiloane said.
The scene remains active as officials continue to comb the area, with police investigations also moving to accountability.