WATCH: Dashcam footage captures moments before deadly crash involving schoolchildren
Dashcam footage shows a school transport taxi that veered into oncoming traffic trying to veer out of the way moments before a fatal crash that killed 12 pupils near Vanderbijlpark.
Image: Supplied
Dashcam footage from the truck involved in Monday’s fatal crash, which claimed the lives of 12 schoolchildren, shows a minibus travelling in the oncoming lane with ample time and space to avoid the collision, yet failing to do so.
The footage captures the truck moving steadily while other vehicles safely pass in the opposite lane. Moments later, the taxi abruptly enters the truck’s path.
In a desperate attempt to avert disaster, the school transport veers right as the truck shifts slightly left. These manoeuvres come too late, resulting in a violent head-on crash.
Other taxis travelling in the opposite direction moved over to give the school transport driver room to avoid the crash, but he did not take the opportunity.
The accident, which occurred on the R553 near Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal, resulted in the tragic loss of 12 schoolchildren and left several others injured.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed that the scholar transport vehicle was operating with an expired professional driving permit (PDP), which lapsed in November of the previous year. Speaking at a media briefing at the Sedibeng West District Office, Lesufi stated, “Three drivers were involved in the crash: the taxi driver and two truck drivers.”
“The truck driver, who was not seriously injured, took himself to the hospital and will provide a full statement. The assistant truck driver was treated and discharged, while the scholar transport driver was hospitalised and later released. The taxi driver has been arrested and is expected to appear in court soon,” he added
According to Gauteng police, the 22-year-old taxi driver will face 12 counts of culpable homicide and charges of reckless and negligent driving in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court, with his first appearance expected on Thursday.
All 12 pupils have been formally identified. Five injured learners were admitted to Sebokeng Hospital, while two were taken to Kopanong Hospital. Initially, two pupils were in intensive care, with one since discharged. Families of the deceased are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Police also confirmed that some of the injured learners later died after being rushed to the hospital, bringing the death toll to 13