MAFUBE – The death toll from the horrific collision between a school bus and a train at a railway crossing near Mafube village has tragically risen to six, after one of the injured pupils succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The bus, carrying 30 children and a driver from Morneg School, was on its way home when it crossed the railway line, tragically misjudging the distance of the approaching train. The impact was devastating, leaving five children dead instantly and sending a further 20 to the nearby hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Sadly, one of the injured children, who had been receiving treatment at the hospital, succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll to six. The news of this additional loss has plunged the community into further mourning, as they grapple with the tragic consequences of this horrific accident.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie, visibly shaken by the incident, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. "We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness," Macie said, his voice heavy with emotion. "People need to take accountability for their negligence."
The MEC has called for a thorough investigation into the crash, demanding answers to the questions that are now plaguing the community. "Scholar transport and public transport owners must screen drivers before hiring them to know if they are fit for that responsibility," he stressed, highlighting the need for greater accountability and stricter safety measures within the transport sector.
"They must also regularly educate them, test and train them," Macie continued, emphasizing the importance of ongoing driver education and training programmes to ensure the safety of passengers, especially vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, deeply affected by the news, is set to conduct a site visit at the scene of the accident on Thursday. He will be accompanied by officials from the provincial transport department and road traffic management, all united in their commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensuring that such a devastating incident never happens again.
"The safety of our children is paramount, and it is heartbreaking to witness such a loss," Hlengwa said in a statement, his words echoing the collective grief of the nation. "Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy."
Police and traffic officials are currently investigating the cause of the accident, meticulously examining the scene and gathering evidence to determine the factors that led to this tragic collision. Their findings will be crucial in ensuring that lessons are learned from this devastating incident and that measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
