Johannesburg – Dashcam footage from a truck involved in Monday’s fatal crash on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark, Vaal, reveals that the minibus taxi – carrying schoolchildren – had ample time and space to avoid the collision but failed to do so.
The video shows the truck driving steadily as other vehicles safely pass in the opposite lane.
Suddenly, the taxi veers into the truck’s path.
In a desperate bid to evade impact, the school transport swerves right while the truck shifts slightly left, but the maneuvers prove too late, leading to a violent head-on collision.
VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE VANDERBIJLPARK ACCIDENT RELEASED
14 leaner lost their during a horrific accident in vanderbijlpark, the driver of the taxi has been placed under arrest. pic.twitter.com/jw7KarXzkj
— ˗ˏˋ CrimeInSA ˊˎ˗ (@sa_crime) January 20, 2026
A 22-year-old taxi driver has been arrested after the crash killed 12 pupils and injured several others.
Other oncoming taxis moved aside to give him room, yet he did not capitalise on it.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi noted the vehicle operated with an expired professional driving permit, lapsed since November 2025.
[WATCH] Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi pleads for the police to be allowed space to investigate the fatal crash that claimed the lives of a dozen pupils in the Vaal. pic.twitter.com/QgBBfQbYfN
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 19, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
