Tragic accident claims the lives of five learners in KwaZulu-Natal
Education MEC in KwaZulu-natal Sipho Hlomuka
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Five learners in KwaZulu-Natal have tragically lost their lives while en route to school after the taxi they were travelling in was involved in a devastating accident.
In a statement, the Department of Education expressed deep shock and sadness at the tragic news of a fatal accident that occurred on Thursday morning. The accident happened at approximately 07:30 in Imbali Unit 18, under the Umgungundlovu District.
Preliminary reports indicate that a taxi transporting learners from various schools in the Imbali Circuit lost control on a bend, collided with a tree, and subsequently rolled down onto a pre-school located below the road.
At this stage, it has been confirmed that five learners have sadly lost their lives, with four passing away at the scene and one succumbing to injuries while being transported to hospital.
Several other learners sustained injuries of varying severity; however, the exact number is still being verified by emergency services. The affected learners come from Zibukezulu Secondary School, Sukuma Comprehensive School, Mehlokazulu Secondary School, Fundokuhle Secondary School, and Henryville Primary School.
The Department said it is working closely with law enforcement authorities, emergency services, and school management teams to gather all the necessary details. Psychosocial support has been arranged for the affected families, schools, and communities.
Education MEC in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka said “This is a devastating tragedy that has robbed us of young lives with so much potential. What pains us even more is that this is the second accident in just a week that has claimed the lives of learners in our province.
“Our hearts go out to the families, teachers, and classmates of the learners who have passed on. We also keep in our prayers those who are injured, wishing them a full and speedy recovery.
“As the Department, we will provide all the necessary support to the affected schools and communities during this very difficult time. May we draw strength from the words of the Lord in Psalm 34:18, ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," he said.
The Department will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.