A collision between a light motor vehicle and a bakkie carrying school children in Vryheid on Tuesday morning, 23 September 2025, has left 15 people injured.
Craig Botha, spokesperson for KwaZulu Private Ambulance, reported that the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 am along South Street.
“The collision occurred when the bakkie, carrying school children aged between 8 and 18 years, collided with the side of a car. Emergency services arrived on scene to find multiple casualties requiring immediate medical attention,” stated Botha.
Paramedics on the scene were faced with a significant number of casualties. As a result, Botha explained that they triaged the patients efficiently to provide urgent medical care. “Of the total casualties, three patients sustained serious injuries and were prioritised for urgent transport, while 12 additional patients sustained minor injuries.”
All 15 injured parties were stabilised and transported to local medical facilities for further treatment and care, with emergency teams working diligently to ensure their safety.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash, and no further details are currently available.
Reflecting on the above, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of school children on the roads and the critical importance of road safety measures. It also highlights the vital role of rapid emergency response in mitigating injuries and ensuring that those affected receive timely medical care.
Residents and commuters in Vryheid and across KwaZulu-Natal are urged to exercise increased caution, particularly during peak morning hours, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
