By: Natasha Archary

The death toll from the tragic Mpumalanga scholar transport bus and train crash has risen to 6.
This after a bus that was transporting about 30 learners from Morneg School collided with a train on the R104 near Mafube Village, between Wonderfontein and Arnot.
Preliminary investigations suggest the bus crossed the railway line when the train was too close which resulted in the crash.
According the Department of Transport, the bus driver fled the scene after the crash, while the train driver and crew did not sustain any injuries.
On impact, 5 learners lost their lives instantly, while 11 others sustained serious injuries.
However, on Thursday morning, 01 August a sixth learner succumbed to injuries and died in hospital.
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Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed shock and extended their condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives.
A call has once again been made to law enforcement to intensify their road safety campaigns involving scholar transportation, as this is the second biggest crash involving scholar transport for July.
The cause of the Mpumalanga bus and train crash is under investigation and a preliminary report is expected in due course.
MEDIA STATEMENT | Transport Minister and the Transport Deputy Minister extend their deepest condolences to the families of the five (5) children who lost their lives in a fatal crash involving a bus and a goods train at a level crossing in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. pic.twitter.com/UPa72einSR
— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) July 31, 2024
At the start of the third term on Wednesday, 10 July a tragic collision involving a scholar transport vehicle claimed the lives of 11 children and the driver of the scholar transport vehicle.
The scholar transport vehicle was hit from behind by a Ford Ranger, causing the vehicle to topple over and catch fire.
Gert Laurence van Emmens, the driver of the Ford Ranger was released on bail of R20 000 on 18 July.
Emmens faces 12 counts of culpable homicide and a count of reckless and/or negligent driving, alternatively inconsiderate driving.
Four of the children who lost their lives in the tragic collision which happened in Carletonville were from the Hlalele family.
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