Twelve primary school children tragically died in a road accident in South Africa on Wednesday. The minibus they were riding to school overturned and caught fire after being involved in a collision, officials reported.
The incident occurred on the N14 motorway near Merafong, approximately 70 kilometers west of Johannesburg, when another vehicle struck the school bus from behind. The minibus driver was also found deceased.
Authorities stated that the victims were burned beyond recognition. Seven other children were injured in the crash in Gauteng province.
Road officials were initially unable to provide details about the ages of the children.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the accident.
“The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community,” said Matome Chiloane, the Gauteng Province Minister of Education.
