The North West Department of Education says 71 learners were involved in a school bus accident on Tuesday, in Gamaloka Village at the Tswaing Local Municipality.
According to the department, the accident occurred on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms, when the learners were being transported to school.
“According to the preliminary paramedic report, 37 learners sustained injuries with the condition of one learner described as of serious concern.
They are being treated at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg.
Thirty-four other learners are undergoing further medical assessment and observation at the Coligny Clinic,” read a statement from the department.
The driver informed the department that the bus hit a hump on a gravel road leading to the steering wheel disengaging and becoming nonfunctional.
During the commotion, the driver was unable to control the bus, and it veered off the road and overturned.
The department MEC Wessels Morweng has wished all learners a speedy recovery.
“The Department has begun full investigation into the accident and appropriate remedial, and corrective measures will be taken thereafter.
An operator as per the Service Level Agreement will provide learners with an alternative transport,” added the statement.
