JOHANNESBURG - The death toll in a tragic accident involving schoolchildren in the Vaal has risen to 12.
The children were on their way to school on Monday when the crash occurred on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, a route notorious for reckless truck driving.
Five others are said to have sustained critical injuries and have been rushed to the hospital.
Emergency services are currently at the scene.
READ | Government launches crackdown on unsafe scholar transport
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed concern over the accident.
She says engagements with the Department of Transport have shown that while roadworthiness of scholar transport vehicles remains important, driver error is often the leading cause of many fatal accidents.
The Minister stresses that drivers transporting children carry a serious responsibility and are therefore called upon to exercise greater diligence and accountability.
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane is expected to visit the scene of the accident