Thirteen school pupils have died in South Africa after the minibus they were traveling in collided with a truck south of Johannesburg.

The crash occurred on Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at approximately 07:00 local time in Vanderbijlpark, according to local education authorities.

Eleven students died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries later at a hospital. Four other pupils remain in critical condition.

Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo stated that the minibus driver crashed into the truck after attempting to overtake other vehicles.

Masondo added that a case of culpable homicide would be opened and noted that the minibus, certified for 14 passengers, was reportedly carrying 17 students at the time.

The minibus driver is currently being treated in a hospital, while the condition and details regarding the truck driver remain “uncertain.”

Fatal road collisions are a recurring issue in South Africa, often attributed to rampant speeding, reckless driving, and poorly maintained vehicles.

Last year 2025, 11,418 people died in road crashes, a six percent decrease from the previous year, yet still averaging 31 deaths per day.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described the crash as “distressing.”

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners,” the president added.