School day turns deadly: Grade R learner dies after being struck by reversing bus
Five-year-old killed while boarding scholar transport.
Image: File
What began as an ordinary school day at Thanda Primary School in Nkomazi ended in a devastating loss when a five-year-old Grade R learner died in a tragic accident as pupils were getting ready to go home.
The child had been among learners preparing to board the scholar transport in Mpumalanga when the bus driver allegedly reversed the vehicle.
In a moment that would change countless lives forever, the young learner was struck after allegedly standing in a blind spot, unseen by the driver.
Panic and disbelief rippled through the school as teachers and learners realised what had happened.
"The South African Police Service (SAPS) were called in, and a case of culpable homicide has been opened.
"Investigations to determine the circumstances that led to this incident are underway," said the Mpumalanga Department of Education.
As grief overwhelms the school and the surrounding community, departmental officials are stepping in to support those left traumatised.
Psychosocial services are being arranged for both the family and the school, while senior leaders visited in person.
"Senior departmental officials, led by the Head of Department, Lucy Moyane, visited Thanda Primary School today to convey their condolences and to gather detailed information regarding the cause of the incident."
Grief over this heartbreaking loss has awakened fresh memories of another recent scholar transport tragedy.
On January 19, a private scholar transport minibus collided with a truck on the Golden Highway near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, killing 13 pupils who were on their way to school, and leaving communities throughout the province in mourning.
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