By Kopano Dibakwane
Five learners left home on Wednesday morning, 31 July, anticipating a great day of fun and learning, but their lives were reportedly cut short on their way back home when the bus they were travelling in collided with a train on the R104 Road near Mafube Village, between Wonderfontein and Arnot.
According to spokesperson for Mpumalanga DCSSL(Department of Community, Safety, Security and Liaison), Moeti Mnisi, the bus was transporting about 30 learners from Morneg School.
“ It is alleged that the bus crosses a railway line while the train was too close, and resulted in the crash” said Mmusi.
He said that 5 learners lost their lives instantly, while eleven sustained serious injuries.
“ 11 including the bus driver and train operator sustained slight injuries,” said Mmusi.
DCSSL MEC, Jackie Macie, has extended condolences to the affected families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. He furthermore called for through investigation into the crash and said the law must take its course to punish whosoever is found in the wrong.
“ We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness. People need to take accountability for their negligence. Scholar transport and public transport owners must screen drivers before hiring them, to know if they are really fit to be trusted with transporting people. They must also regularly educate them, test and train them to avoid these kind of incidences,” said MEC Macie.
