Potchefstroom Vyfhoek Primary School Laerskool

Five children were killed and several others were injured at a Potchefstroom school on Thursday. Photo: Facebook / Mooirivier Beskerming

Vyfhoek truck accident: Two more learners die, death toll rises to seven

Two more learners have died after the horrific truck accident at Vyfhoek Primary on Thursday. The school said the children were waiting for their scholar transport to pick them up.

Potchefstroom Vyfhoek Primary School Laerskool

Five children were killed and several others were injured at a Potchefstroom school on Thursday. Photo: Facebook / Mooirivier Beskerming

The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said two more children have died after the devastating truck accident at Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom, in a statement on Friday, 19 August.

UPDATE: The North West Transport spokesperson later backtracked on his statement. The death remains five.

READ: Potchefstroom: Five children killed after truck crashed into school

TWO MORE VYFHOEK PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS DIE

Five children were killed in the accident and declared dead at the scene near the N12 Highway on Thursday. The passing of two more learners brings the death toll to seven.

“It is alleged that the truck driver lost control, drove towards the learners as they were standing by the school gate and hit them.

“The MEC for the department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari continues to wish strength to all family members and the school in these trying times,” read the statement.

The provincial department of education said the accident occurred at approximately 14:00 on Thursday.

The driver of a mini truck on its way to Johannesburg from Potchefstroom along the N12 allegedly lost control of the vehicle when a front tyre burst.

The truck ploughed through Vyfhoek Primary School’s fence and instantly killed four learners. The fifth learner died in the ambulance at the scene while paramedics were treating her, said the education department.

According to Vyfhoek Primary School, the learners were waiting for their scholar transport to pick them up.

“This is the most devastating news to share. Losing five learners in this manner is not easy to accept- as a parent and as a caretaker to these learners.

“We are truly lost for words and we plead with the public to treat the matter with sensitivity as parents are still trying to get to terms with this sudden loss,” said North West Education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, in a statement on Thursday.

The truck driver was uninjured in the accident. The provincial police are reportedly investigating a case of culpable homicide.

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