By Lerato Mutlanyane

The North West province and the nation are mourning yet another tragic loss after a school transport accident claimed the life of a fourth learner.

The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, initially claimed the lives of two learners and the driver at the scene, while two others were left critically injured.

The injured Grade 12 learners were rushed to hospital, but one later succumbed to her injuries on Saturday, 11 April 2026.

The four learners and their driver were travelling in private transport from Delareyville to Vryburg for the reopening of schools for the second term when tragedy struck.

It is reported that the vehicle collided with a truck approximately 20 kilometres from Vryburg, resulting in the immediate deaths of three occupants. The deceased learners were in Grades 9 and 10.

North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, said there had been hope that the third learner would recover.

“On Wednesday, following the accident, I rushed to meet with all the families to offer my support, and we were all optimistic that she would recover. Unfortunately, that was not the case; God had other plans which were not the same as ours. I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to all the bereaved families and pray for a full recovery for the learner who is still in hospital,” she said.

The North West Department of Education has extended its condolences to the affected families and the Vryburg High School community during this difficult time.

The fourth learner, also in Grade 12, is recovering well after undergoing a successful operation at Milpark Hospital.

Details of memorial services and funerals will be announced once consultations with the families have been finalised