Vaal Accident Leaves 12 Schoolchildren Dead As Minibus Taxi and Truck Collide Near Vanderbijlpark
- Authorities are on the scene of a fatal accident near the ArcelorMittal near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal
- A taxi and a truck were involved in a head-on collision on the Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng
- The minibus taxi was transporting children to school in the Vaal area when it was involved in the fatal accident
- Shazel Dubree-Peerbay, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, shared her insights with Briefly News about the tragedy
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues. He spent 10 years working for a community newspaper before transitioning to online
GAUTENG – A tragic accident near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal has left several school children dead, according to initial reports.
The accident, which occurred between a minibus taxi and a truck, occurred on the Golden Highway between Bophelong and Sebokeng on 17 January 2026.
As more information came to light and rescue operations continued, the death toll from the accident increased. Currently, 12 learners have been confirmed dead.
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Truck and taxi involved in head on collision
According to initial reports, a truck and a taxi were involved in a head-on collision near the ArcelorMittal in the area. The collision resulted in multiple casualties.
Parents with children attending Vaal Primary School and surrounding schools are also advised to check whether their kids made it safely to school if they were using a scholar transport vehicle.
Heartbreaking scenes as parents identify their children's bodies
As news spread of the accident, parents rushed to the scene to see if their little ones had survived or not.
What followed were scenes of tragedy as parents broke down in tears after finding their children's bodies among the wreckage. Some had to be dragged away by officials, while others were inconsolable.
Specialist Wellness Counsellor discusses how parents can deal with the grief
Shazel Dubree-Peerbay, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor at Dubree's Counselling Inc, told Briefly News how the parents could deal with the unimaginable grief.
“The loss of 13 children in a crash, while on their way to school, is a tragedy that permanently alters families, schools, and entire communities.
“In the immediate aftermath, parents often experience shock, numbness, and overwhelming grief—especially those who were called to identify their children at the scene. It’s an experience that can leave lasting psychological trauma,” she noted.
She added that as time goes on, the grieving parents did not ‘move on’ but instead learned how to live with the loss.
“Many face depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, and benefit from long-term, trauma-informed counselling and support from other bereaved families. Maintaining a bond with their children through memorials or rituals often becomes an important part of healing,” Shazel-Dubree added.
She also touched on how fellow students could deal with the loss of their classmates, saying that schools played a critical role by providing grief counsellors, maintaining honest communication, allowing flexibility, and creating safe spaces for students and staff to process their emotions.
Other stories about the fatal crash
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi weighed in on the fatal Vaal accident that left 12 schoolchildren dead.
- Gauteng Education Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) Matome Chiloane provided an update on the fatal crash.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences after 12 children died during an accident in Vanderbijlpark.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
