Mpumalanga scholar transport crash leaves 3 dead, 27 injured

Monday morning’s crash took place on the D2296 Road between Karino and Mbombela in Mpumalanga.

The latest crash involving scholar transport came just weeks after six pupils lost their lives in another accident involving a bus and a train.

Mpumalanga Community Safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi confirmed that 27 people were rushed to the hospital with injuries, including the driver of the scholar transport bus and 26 pupils.

The deceased include the driver and a passenger of the bakkie, as well as one pupil who was traveling in the scholar transport bus.

While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, it is suspected that unsafe overtaking may have played a role.

Mmusi said Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie has sent his condolences to the families of the deceased.

“He also wishes those in hospitals a speedy recovery. The MEC is concerned about the number of crashes involving school learners lately.

“He says that this is an indication that there is a problem that needs to be dealt with urgently,” added Mmusi.

The road between Karino and Mbombela has been closed, and motorists are advised to use the N4 Toll Road as an alternative route.

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