Dashcam footage has emerged showing the moments leading up to the deadly scholar transport crash on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark, which claimed the lives of 12 learners and devastated their families.

The tragedy unfolded on Monday when a scholar transport vehicle collided head-on with a truck, shattering the lives of families and leaving the local community in mourning. As investigations continue, the footage is shedding light on the actions of the driver in the moments before the crash.

The video shows the scholar transport vehicle travelling in the opposite lane, with apparent time and space to avoid a collision.

Instead, it is seen moving into the path of the oncoming truck just moments before impact, despite other motorists slowing down and manoeuvring to create space for the vehicle to pass safely.

According to IOL, a motorist who witnessed the crash described what he saw, stating, “It overtook me and a few other cars. In front of me there were about four cars. I tried to reduce my speed to try and eliminate that from happening so I could give him some gap because we saw the truck that was approaching. He ignored that; I don’t know why,” the motorist said.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the scholar transport vehicle was operating with an expired professional driving permit (PDP), which lapsed in November of the previous year. Speaking after being briefed by the investigating team, Lesufi described the scene as devastating.

“It’s an unbearable situation, an unbearable scene. The investigating team has just briefed me, but there are one or two things that I still need. It is clear that the taxi was trying to overtake several cars, and unfortunately, it was confronted by the truck,” Lesufi said.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office, Lesufi added, “Three drivers were involved in the crash: the taxi driver and two truck drivers.” “The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to the hospital and will provide a full statement. The assistant truck driver was treated and discharged, while the scholar transport driver was hospitalised and later released. The taxi driver has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.

In a recent update, the 22-year-old scholar transport driver has been arrested and faces 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving. He is expected to make his first court appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. While the truck driver is unharmed, he has been taken to the hospital and will undergo questioning. The truck’s assistant driver was treated and discharged, while the taxi driver remains incarcerated.

Furthermore, the accident inflicted injuries on several learners. Five students were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital, and two others were taken to Kopanong Hospital. Fortunately, two pupils who were initially in intensive care have since been discharged, but the community continues to grapple with the heart-wrenching loss of life as all 12 deceased children have been formally identified.

Expressing overwhelming grief, the parents and families of the victims are calling for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, especially concerning scholar transport operators.

The tragic event has ignited a wave of public outrage and scrutiny towards the licensing and safety compliance of scholar transport vehicles in Gauteng, highlighting the necessity for systemic change to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring.

amahle.luke@africannewsagency.com

Saturday Star

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