13 culpable homicide counts opened after Vanderbijlpark crash

Police have opened 13 counts of culpable homicide after a school transport crash near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng left 13 pupils dead, with authorities warning that more charges could follow as investigations continue.

The collision happened on Monday morning, 19 January 2026, on Fred Droste Road, south of Johannesburg, when a private scholar transport minibus and a side-tipper truck collided. Initial reports indicated at least 11 children died at the scene, while two later succumbed to injuries in hospital, according to officials and reported by eNCA

Preliminary information provided to investigators suggests the minibus was overtaking other vehicles when it entered the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in a head-on crash. Authorities said both the minibus driver and the truck driver are expected to be questioned as part of the investigation.

Emergency services transported injured survivors to local facilities, including Sebokeng Hospital and Kopanong Hospital, officials said.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the scene to assess the situation and offer support to affected families and school communities. Chiloane described the incident as a “tragic day” for the province and urged increased vigilance around scholar transport safety.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also issued condolences and said national and provincial authorities would provide psychosocial support to families and schools.

The crash scene remained active as officials continued on-site work and investigators moved to determine accountability.

Source: eNCA