A multiple-vehicle collision has claimed the lives of four learners from three different schools in Ekurhuleni this morning. The learners from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School, and an early childhood development centre were travelling in a private scholar transport when the accident took place on the N12 in Daveyton.

SIBLINGS AMONG THE VICTIMS 

The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said they received information about a multiple-vehicle collision near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners. "One of the vehicles happened to be a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish the exact cause," he said. He said the deceased include two boy learners in Grade 1 and Grade 3, who were siblings from Tom Newby Primary School in Benoni; a Grade 1 boy learner from Rynfield Primary School, also in Benoni; and a Grade R boy learner from an ECD centre that is still to be identified. "In addition, another girl learner in Grade 3 from Rynfield Primary School is in critical condition as a result of the accident and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care."

SUPPORT TO BE OFFERED

Mabona said the GDE Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to both affected schools to provide immediate counselling. MEC Matome Chiloane said the learners' passing was saddening. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young learners whose lives were tragically cut short by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, friends, and school communities during this painful period. The department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected," said Chiloane.