A train crashed into a school bus in South Africa, resulting in the deaths of six children and causing injuries to 19 other students, the government announced on Thursday.
Local media reported that the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the village of Mafube, near Middelburg, approximately 180 kilometres (110 miles) northeast of Johannesburg.
On Thursday morning, the number of fatalities from the accident was updated from five to six.
“The sixth learner succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the nearby hospital,” the provincial transport department said in a statement.
According to the provincial transport department, the school bus crash occurred as it crossed a railway line while a train was approaching. The bus was carrying around 30 students.
“We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness,” the government said, adding that “people need to take accountability for their negligence.”
The bus driver and the train driver are both recovering in hospital.
South Africa boasts one of the continent’s most advanced road networks, yet it also has one of the poorest road safety records. This is partly due to reckless driving and vehicles that are often not roadworthy.
Privately owned minibus taxis are the primary means of transport for millions of working-class South Africans. Many parents depend on these private minibuses to ferry their children to school.