Fatal Vanderbijlpark crash kills 12 learners
Dashcam footage that allegedly shows the moments preceding a tragic crash in Vanderbijlpark has emerged on social media platforms.
The widely circulated video indicates that a scholar transport minibus entered the path of an oncoming truck, despite attempts by other vehicles to give way.
Since its upload, the video has attracted significant attention from users online, many expressing shock, sorrow, and anger about the implications of the driver’s behavior.
The incident took place earlier this week and quickly garnered national media coverage.
Video footage of the Vanderbijlpark accident has been released following the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners. pic.twitter.com/SIrFK8Ha3M
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 20, 2026
The 22-year-old driver of the minibus, who was transporting the learners, has been charged with 12 counts of culpable homicide.
Additional charges of reckless and negligent driving have been included in the case.
The driver is scheduled to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Authorities revealed that he was arrested after being treated in the hospital following the incident.
According to Gauteng police, officials have been checking hospitals and the mortuary to confirm the number of fatalities and injuries as part of their ongoing investigation.
Three learners remain hospitalized, while police continue to investigate the events leading to the collision.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo noted that the truck driver was uninjured, but a passenger in the truck sustained injuries and is receiving care.
As the dashcam footage circulated, social media users began to share their thoughts about the incident.
One remarked, “All vehicles tried to make room for this driver and he still went straight to the truck.”
Another user stated, “There is a kind of mentality in taxi drivers and also other lower social classes in South Africa that says being rebellious and not following rules is okay. This is how these drivers justify overtaking where it does not make sense. The results are there for all to see.”
However, not all comments placed the blame entirely on the driver of the scholar transport.
Some users criticized the truck driver’s actions, with one remarking, “The truck driver must be arrested. He could have stopped. This is an 80km/h zone. Why was he driving so fast in a small road with so much traffic? Yes, the taxi driver is wrong, but the truck driver could have had ubuntu and stopped.”
Other reactions were more direct in their condemnation. “He just killed those kids. That taxi driver must never drive again,” wrote one user, while another added, “He made sure that he saved himself.”
