Horror crash claims lives of 21 people, including schoolchildren

A horror crash in South Africa – involving 3 vehicles – has claimed the lives of 21 people, including many learners, according to Arrive Alive.

The accident took place in Sekhukhuni on the R579, near to Blood River. Arrive Alive said a minibus taxi overtook and crashed head-on with a Faw truck and another minibus taxi. Both taxis were transporting schoolchildren.

The DA in Limpopo said it is “deeply saddened” by the crash in Elias Motsoaledi.

“Preliminary reports suggest that the accident was caused by a head-on collision between two Quantum taxis and a truck,” said Jacques Smalle – DA Limpopo Spokesperson on Education – in a statement on Friday evening.

“The DA is also calling on the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances around this crash and to ensure there is a greater focus on visible policing and strategies for safer roads.

“This incident also brings to light the need to urgently address our failing scholar transport programme, not fully catering to the need of our learners. The failure to supply reliable scholar transport to all who need it has resulted in the use of private vehicles that may not meet the desired safety requirements.”

Head-on collision leaves 21 dead on the R579 nearby Blood River https://t.co/WwaYsUDLhQ#ArriveAlive @TransportLimCom pic.twitter.com/UZ9I65nbEM

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 3, 2023