Five children have been killed, and 11 others injured after a minibus taxi veered off the road and crashed into the pre-school in Imbali township, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to authorities, the learners were being transported from Ward 10 to high and primary schools in Ward 15.
“Fortunately, out of 49 children attending the pre-school, only five witnessed the accident.
They all survived.
We are saddened by the death of five learners,” said the provincial Transport MEC Siboniso Duma.
Duma said he’s working with other MECs and Mayors to accelerate interventions.
“A team from the office is also interacting with teachers from Senzokuhle Pre School and councillors from Ward 10 and 15 respectively,” explained Duma.
Furthermore, the MEC said they’re also investigating circumstances that led to the accident and following on information supplied by witnesses.
“More shocking is the allegation made by neighbours that the driver of the minibus taxi jumped out of the moving vehicle before it plunged into the pre-school.
In this regard, we have mandated our Road Traffic Inspectorate to work with the SAPS as part of an investigation.
The driver was taken by police to the hospital,” warned the MEC.
He also highlighted that they’ll also probe why the taxi driver jumped out of the moving minibus taxi leaving children trapped inside, the roadworthiness of the minibus taxi, and the status of the scholar transport as it has been confirmed that it belongs to Azaliya Taxi Association in Imbali.
“We will ensure that there is a restoration of the damaged early childhood development infrastructure for the children.
Importantly, the MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga will assist with the co-ordination of the provision of counselling to the children, teachers and all affected families,” said Duma.
