SCHOOL BUS HORROR! 71 pupils in North West crash — one fighting for life

Eastern Cape

Johannesburg – At least 71 learners were involved in a school bus accident in the North West on Tuesday morning, leaving 37 injured and one in a serious condition.

The learners from Gamaloka Village in the Tswaing Municipality were on their way to school when the bus crashed on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms on February 17, 2026.

According to a preliminary paramedic report, “thirty-seven (37) learners sustained injuries with the condition of one learner described as ‘of serious concern’.” The injured learners are receiving treatment at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg.

A further 34 learners are undergoing medical assessment and observation at the Coligny Clinic.

Details surrounding the crash indicate that the bus lost control after encountering a hump on the gravel road.

“According to the driver, the bus hit a hump on a gravel road leading to the steering wheel disengaging and becoming nonfunctional. Unable to control the bus, it veered off the road and overturned,” the statement said.

The MEC for the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, wished the injured learners a speedy recovery.

The department confirmed that it “has begun full investigation into the accident and appropriate remedial and corrective measures will be taken thereafter.”

In the interim, alternative transport arrangements are being made. “An operator as per the Service Level Agreement will provide learners with an alternative transport. The Department has however a panel of operators who if needs be will be assigned the responsibility of transporting learners,” the statement added.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances of the crash.

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