South Africa mourned the deaths of 13 schoolchildren killed when their minibus collided with a lorry, local officials said in a statement on Monday (January 19).

Three other children were being treated in hospital for injuries after the crash following the incident near the industrial city of Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg, officials said in an earlier statement.

President Cyril Ramaphosa offered condolences to the families, teachers and friends of the victims, saying in a statement that “we must do all we can” to protect learners.

South Africa recorded 11,418 road deaths in 2025, a 6% decline from the previous year but still an average of 31 fatalities per day. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy had cited speeding and drink‑driving as major contributors to the toll.

Emergency teams worked at the crash site on Monday as investigations continued into the circumstances of the collision.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

1. MINIBUS WRECKAGE

2. MINIBUS WRECKAGE AND LORRY

3. CAUTION TAPE READING (English): “SA (SOUTH AFRICAN) POLICE SERVICE”

4. MAN WALKING WHILE HOLDING HIS HEAD

5. POLICE OFFICERS STANDING

6. POLICE VEHICLE

7. POLICE VEHICLE / POLICE OFFICERS WORKING AT ACCIDENT SCENE

8. MINIBUS WRECKAGE / POLICE OFFICER SHAKING HANDS WITH TOW SERVICES WORKER