Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has confirmed the identities of the four schoolchildren killed in a crash on Monday morning outside Daveyton, in Ekurhuleni, which include two siblings, a boy in Grade 1 and Grade 3, a Grade 1 boy, and a Grade R boy learner from an unidentified ECD centre.
Earlier on Monday, News reported that four schoolchildren were killed and five others critically injured after a crash involving two vehicles.
The horrific crash occurred on the N12 westbound just before the Putfontein Road off-ramp, around 7.45 am.
Chiloane expressed sadness over the deaths of the learners and confirmed that the learners were from Tom Newby Primary School, Rynfield Primary School, and an unnamed Early Childhood Centre (ECD).
“It is alleged that the accident involved a collision between multiple vehicles on the N12 westbound near the Putfontein Road off-ramp in Daveyton, resulting in the tragic loss of life of four learners,” Chiloane said.
One of the vehicles was a private scholar transport, which was transporting the learners to school.
Chiloane added that law enforcement agencies are probing the incident to determine its cause.
He said the deceased include two siblings, a boy in Grade 1 and Grade 3, 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 has not yet been identified.
Chiloane also confirmed that a Grade 3 girl from Rynfield Primary School is in critical condition, and has been admitted to a local hospital for urgent medical care.
The Department’s (GDE) Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to both Tom Newby and Rynfield Primary Schools to provide counselling services to learners and educators affected by the tragedy.
“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 the school communities during this painful period. The Department stands ready to provide the necessary support to all affected,” Chiloane added.
After the crash, families of the deceased learners were called to the scene to identify their loved ones.
City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson William Ntladi previously said the crash involved a double cab bakkie and a Toyota Yaris.
He said one adult woman, who was trapped from the wreckage, was rescued.
“The adult woman has been rescued from the wreck using hydraulic rescue equipment, known as the Jaws of Life.”
Ntladi reported that the woman is in a stable condition and was airlifted to the nearest medical facility.
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