5 Vyfhoek Primary School Children Killed When Truck Crashes Into School, 4 in Critical Condition

• Five primary school pupils tragically died in a freak accident at Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom, North West
• The incident occurred when a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and veered off the N1 and onto the school premises
• Four other children were also struck by the out-of-control vehicle but were rushed to the hospital where they are being treated for their injuries

POTCHEFSTROOM – Five primary school children tragically passed when a truck crashed into Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom on Thursday afternoon, 18 August.

The department of education in the North West confirmed the death toll on Friday. 19 August.

News24 reported that a truck that was travelling along the N12 veered off the road when the driver could not control the vehicle and ploughed into the Potchefstroom school. The truck struck seven children.

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According to SowetanLIVE, four other pupils were injured but were rushed to the hospital, where they are currently being treated.

Spokesperson for the Department of Education, Elias Malindi, said that the school day had concluded and the pupils were waiting for their transport on the school property when the tragic crash occurred.

The MEC of education in the North West, Mmaphefo Matsemela, released a statement saying:

“This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five pupils in this manner is not easy to accept, as a parent and as a caretaker to the pupils. We plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as parents are trying to come to terms with their loss.”

South Africans react to the tragic accident

There is an outpouring of grief on social media as South Africans battle to come to terms with the tragic loss

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Here are some comments:

@nmak commented:

“Ohh tragic, tragic, those young souls.”

@kgomotso32 said:

“I just have shivers down my spine, this messed me up."

@JFTerblanche added:

“It is a horrible situation. I can't stop thinking about the parents and children involved- and the children that witnessed the whole incident.”

@Blubug77 tweeted:

“Terrible, so sad.”

@kgomotso32 said:

“Condolences to the families who lost their kids in the fatal accident that occurred in Potchefstroom’Vyfhoek Primary school’ and speedy recovery to those injured.. Modimo a bafe maatlaMy heart is heavy no parent should bury their childrenJeso leba kwano”

Horrific multi-car crash on N3, dozens feared dead in accident involving 10 cars

Briefly News previously reported that a horrific car crash involving up to 10 cars occurred on the N3 South in Pietermaritzburg. Five cars, two trucks, two taxis and a bakkie were involved in a multi-car crash on the highway.

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Dozens are feared dead and police are on the scene investigating the accident. An additional accident took place on the N3 north while the emergency services attended to the scene.

According to TimesLIVE one of the taxis, which was full of passengers, was engulfed in flames after it crashed into a truck. When emergency services arrived on the scene, the fire had spread to other cars.

Source: Briefly News