NATIONAL NEWS - A scholar transport accident has left approximately 20 learners injured, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said.

Confirming Monday’s incident, the department said the learners are from various Johannesburg schools.

“The incident took place at approximately 07:00 along West Park Road, near the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was allegedly travelling at a high speed when the driver appeared to lose control, causing it to overturn along the bend near West Park Cemetery,” said the department in a statement on Tuesday.

The GDE said the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation and that authorities were on the scene shortly after the incident to assist learners who were on board and begin assessing the circumstances.

“According to information at our disposal, the overturned vehicle was allegedly transporting learners from Greenside High School, Parktown Girls’ High School and Roosevelt High School. 

"[There were] reportedly 13 learners from Greenside High School, ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 11; four learners from Roosevelt High School in Grades 8, 9 and 12, while Parktown Girls’ High School had three learners in Grades 8, 10 and 11.”

Following the crash, learners were transported to various healthcare facilities, where they were assessed for injuries and received medical treatment.

“Fortunately, all learners were treated and discharged into the care of their families. A majority of learners have been booked off from attending school by medical practitioners for the remainder of this week.

“One learner from Greenside High School, however, remains hospitalised and is scheduled to undergo surgery,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the department has arranged psychosocial support for all learners and their families to assist with recovery and trauma management. Additionally, departmental officials were dispatched to each school and hospital to verify the condition of all affected learners and also interact with all affected families.

“We are grateful that there were no fatalities, and we extend our gratitude to emergency personnel, respective school management teams and our officials who responded swiftly. We are continuing to engage with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability.

"We urge all scholar transport drivers, whether public or private, to ensure that the safety and well-being of our learners remains a top priority at all times. We wish all learners a speedy recovery,” Education MEC Matome Chiloane said. - SAnews.gov.za 

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