By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Department of Education, Wendy Matsemela said the tragic death of five learners at Vyfhoek Primary School in Potchefstroom is devastating.
Learners were allegedly run over by a mini truck inside their school premises on Thursday afternoon. According to the ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring, five learners were killed and four others injured when a truck crashed through a school fence and stopped in the parking area.
Meiring said ER24 and several other services responded to the scene along the N12, approximately 10km outside of Potchefstroom.
“On arrival, paramedics found the truck parked near several small container buildings. Upon closer inspection, paramedics found three children lying under the truck while several others were around the vehicle.
“All the children were believed to be aged between 7 and 11. Medics quickly assessed the patients and found four children had shown no signs of life. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for them, and they were later declared dead,” he said.
Meiring said three other children were in critical condition, while two others had severe injuries. He said paramedics treated the patients and provided them with advanced life support.
“Unfortunately, after a short time, one critically injured child succumbed to their injuries. Once treated, paramedics transported the three other children to a nearby hospital for urgent care.
“The driver of the truck escaped injury. The exact details surrounding this incident are unknown, but local authorities were on the scene for further investigations,” said Meiring.
Meanwhile, Matsemela said: “The mini truck is reported to have been traveling from Potchefstroom towards the Johannesburg direction on the N12 road and capsized after a front wheel tyre burst.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle, then went straight through the school fence plunging on four learners and killing them on the spot, while one died in the ambulance.”
Matsemela said according to the school report, the learners were waiting for their school transport after school. She further calls for cooperation during this difficult time.
“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. I wish to send a word of comfort to the bereaved families and for those whose learners are hospitalised,” said Matsemela.
The Guardian 
