Chaos in Lenasia as Minibus Carrying Schoolchildren Catches Fire
- A minibus transporting schoolchildren caught fire in Lenasia South on Wednesday, 21 January 2026
- Community members intervened, removing school bags and checking for children during the blaze
- Public outcry grows over scholar transport safety, urging better vehicle maintenance and accountability from transport providers
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Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Facebook
GAUTENG, LENASIA - Another scholar transport incident was reported in Gauteng after a minibus carrying schoolchildren caught fire on Wednesday morning, 21 January 2026.
Scholar transport on fire in Lenasia
The fire broke out in Lenasia South while the vehicle was travelling to school. Footage circulating on social media showed a white Mercedes minibus in flames as residents in the area moved in to assist. Community members were seen removing school bags from the vehicle and attempting to put out the fire.
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In the video, people could be heard shouting in panic, claiming that children were burning, although no learners were visible inside the minibus at the time. Someone is asking if there are still kids inside, and the response is no, they were taken out. Pupils were seen sitting and standing outside the vehicle as residents continued to retrieve bags and other belongings from the smoking minibus.
Briefly News contacted the Gauteng Department of Education for comment and is still awaiting a response.
South Africans weigh in
Social media users share their thoughts regarding the recent spike in scholar transport incidents.
Linah Mohahla said:
"South Africa needs all churches to gather and pray for our beautiful country."
Jenevieve Hendricks said:
"We kindly ask that transporters do monthly or weekly car maintenance as well. This is too much. Now we have fear that our kids might not even make it to school? Haowa, transport drivers and the owners should do better, Monthly or weekly car maintenance is a must."
Sello Israel said
"South Africa we need God's intervention. Let's do self-introspective amongst us, prayers are needed."
Jeffrey Makolane said:
"When metro police impound these vehicle we complain. The owners must take their vehicles to the dealership for service and they must have insurance."
Safe A Boy Child said:
"Service providers must double check their vehicles to make sure they are in excellent condition. These are kids, young lives! This is getting out of hand."
Other stories about scholar transport
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.
Nine children were injured on Monday afternoon, 19 January 2026, near Sarnia School in Pinetown, sparking an urgent emergency response. ALS spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that a single scholar transport seemingly lost control and collided with a tree. The children were stabilised on site before being transported to various hospitals for further medical care.
Nine learners from different schools in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, were injured in another scholar transport accident on 20 January 2026, one day after 12 children were killed in a horrific accident in Vanderbijlpark. A Toyota Quantum, carrying the nine learners, a mixture of primary and high school learners, collided with a light motor vehicle in the early morning.
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Source: Briefly News
