In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the Carletonville community to its core, eleven students from Rocklands Primary School, one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig, and their driver lost their lives in a devastating accident on Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong, has left the entire Gauteng province in mourning. Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Mr. Matome Chiloane, visibly shaken by the news, confirmed the tragic event. "I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. According to initial reports, the private scholar transport mini-bus was hit from behind by a bakkie at approximately 06:45, causing it to overturn and catch fire. The horrific scene that unfolded has left witnesses traumatized and a community searching for answers.

In addition to the fatalities, seven other learners were rushed to nearby medical facilities, their conditions currently unknown. The race against time to save these young lives adds another layer of anguish to an already tragic situation. As news of the accident spread, the Department of Education sprang into action, dispatching its Psycho-Social Support team to both affected schools. The team is working tirelessly to provide much-needed support to the grieving families, shell-shocked students, and devastated staff members.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners," MEC Chiloane stated, his words barely masking the raw emotion behind them. "We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both schools' entire community during this incredibly difficult time."

The MEC announced his intentions to visit the accident scene and both schools, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to supporting the affected families and institutions.

As the community grapples with this unimaginable loss, questions about road safety and scholar transport regulations are sure to arise. For now, however, Carletonville mourns, united in grief for the young lives so tragically cut short.

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this horrific incident, as a province and a nation await answers, hoping to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

In the wake of this disaster, the words of MEC Chiloane echo the sentiments of many: "We also wish all injured learners a speedy recovery." As Carletonville begins its long journey of healing, the memory of those lost will undoubtedly serve as a painful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of road safety.