Crash
1Min
South Africa
Jan 22, 2026
The death toll from the Vanderbijlpark scholar transport crash has risen to 14 after two more learners died in hospital, with the 22-year-old driver now facing 14 counts of culpable homicide and reckless driving. The tragedy has sparked nationwide mourning, with political parties, churches, civil society, school communities.
The death toll from the devastating scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark has risen to 14 after two more learners succumbed to their injuries in hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Gauteng police confirmed that the 22-year-old scholar transport driver now faces 14 counts of culpable homicide, in addition to charges of reckless and negligent driving. The suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
The crash occurred on Monday, 19 January 2026, when a scholar transport vehicle collided with a truck while transporting learners to school in Vanderbijlpark. Twelve learners were declared dead at the scene, while five others were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. One learner was later discharged, but two of those hospitalised succumbed to their injuries on Thursday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14.
In a media statement, the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng said the scholar transport driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment following the crash. At the time of his arrest, he was facing 12 counts of culpable homicide. These charges were subsequently increased following the latest deaths.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said officers had visited hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries. “Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” Masondo said.
The driver of the truck involved in the collision escaped unharmed, while a passenger travelling with him sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital. The cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, and police investigations are continuing.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, describing it as a devastating loss for families, schools and communities across the Vaal region. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department extends its deepest condolences to the affected families, learners and school communities during this extremely difficult time.
The department also paid tribute to the learners who lost their lives, noting that the victims ranged from Grade 1 pupils to Grade 11 learners from several schools in the area. The learners have been described as “the future of the province”, whose dreams and potential were cut short.
Since the incident, a wave of grief and solidarity has been expressed across South Africa. Political parties, churches, civil society organisations, school communities and ordinary citizens have sent messages of condolences and support to the bereaved families. Prayer services, memorial gatherings and moments of silence have been held at schools and community centres in Gauteng.
Faith-based organisations and civil society groups have also called for renewed focus on scholar transport safety, urging stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies. Parents and community leaders have echoed these calls, saying accountability and improved road safety measures are urgently needed.
Psychosocial support services have been made available to affected families, learners and educators, as the province continues to mourn the loss of 14 young lives in what has become one of the deadliest scholar transport crashes in Gauteng in recent years.
