Thirteen school pupils have died in South Africa after the minibus they were travelling in collided with a lorry south of the city of Johannesburg.
The crash happened on Monday morning at around 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) in Vanderbijlpark, the local education authority said.
Eleven students died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries later on. Two other pupils remain in critical condition.
The minibus driver crashed into the lorry after attempting to overtake two vehicles, police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said.
Masondo added that a case of culpable homicide would be opened.
The minibus driver was reportedly being treated in hospital, while details on the condition of the lorry driver remain uncertain.
Fatal road collisions are common in South Africa, attributed to factors like speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2025, 11,418 people died in crashes, averaging about 31 deaths a day.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called Monday's crash distressing, emphasizing the need to protect the nation's children, who are considered its greatest assets. He urged all parties to adhere to road safety rules and ensure the quality of services provided for scholar transport.
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