Durban – Seven schoolchildren were injured after a minibus taxi transporting 16 learners crashed into a tree in Buffelsdraai, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday morning.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said the crash occurred on Hillcrest Drive on 25 August 2026 while the taxi was transporting the learners to school.
According to RUSA, the 57-year-old driver told emergency responders that he was attempting to select a lower gear while travelling up a small incline when the vehicle experienced mechanical problems.
“The vehicle allegedly failed to engage the gear before experiencing brake failure and rolling backwards down the road,” RUSA said.
The taxi subsequently travelled backwards before its rear collided with a tree.
“The rear of the taxi subsequently collided with a tree,” the emergency response organisation said in a statement.
Seven learners sustained minor injuries in the crash.
“They were treated at the scene before being transported to Hospital by Paramedics from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) and KZN VIP,” the organisation said.
The remaining learners were not reported to have sustained injuries.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged brake failure and mechanical fault are expected to be investigated.
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Picture: Facebook / RUSA
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
