…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media. Five children lost their lives in a devastating multiple-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, 30 May, as they were on their way to school in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.
According to the Western Cape government, the incident occurred when the bakkie carrying the learners collided with a traffic light, causing the children to be thrown out of the vehicle.
The vehicle involved in the accident was not an authorized scholar transport provided by the provincial educational department, revealed Western Cape Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie.
He expressed full support for the ongoing police investigation into the culpable homicide case.
The City of Cape Town reported that a Golden Arrow bus and a taxi were also involved in the collision.
Urgent Need to Address Transportation Safety
Expressing his outrage at the tragic accident, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie emphasized that the vehicle responsible for transporting the learners was operating illegally.
He stressed the importance of taking the transportation of children seriously to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Mackenzie called for roadworthy vehicles, qualified drivers, and valid operating licenses as crucial requirements to ensure passenger safety.
Neglecting these standards and driving recklessly, he warned, could have fatal consequences.
He extended his condolences and prayers to the grieving parents and those with children currently hospitalized.
The public was encouraged to report illegal and unsafe transport operators to the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Department.
Two Learners Hospitalized, School Support Provided
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier revealed that the tragic crash claimed the lives of learners from Wespoort PS, Harvester PS, Ridgeville PS, Highlands PS, and Duneside PS.
Two additional learners from Ridgeville Primary School and Lentegeur High School were receiving medical treatment.
Maynier expressed deep sorrow and offered thoughts and prayers to the affected families, friends, and school communities.
The incident was described as an unimaginable tragedy.
The Western Cape Education Department promptly dispatched counseling support teams to assist the affected schools.
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