In a devastating incident on Wednesday afternoon, an unconfirmed number of school children tragically lost their lives when a bus collided with a train in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
The children were being transported from school to Mafube village in their scholar transport when the collision took place. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing sight, with the bodies of the children scattered across the area following the crash.
Although reports from residents indicated that several children had perished, the Department of Community Safety Security and Liaison was still in the process of verifying the exact number of fatalities. Spokesperson Moeti Mmusi expressed the challenges in obtaining accurate information amidst the ongoing activity at the scene.
"I don’t know how many pupils died, but a lot have lost their lives. I’m trying to get the number but it won't be accurate for now because the scene is active," Mmusi stated, reflecting the somber and chaotic aftermath of the tragic accident.
[JUST IN] A horrific crash involving a scholar transport bus and a train has just occurred at Mafube village just outside Middelburg in Mpumalanga.
Community members I've just spoken to say there's about five learners who've lost their lives and there's more still trapped under… pic.twitter.com/KbhYXgosBO
— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) July 31, 2024
