Picture: Three learners who perished in a horrific car accident/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education has expressed deep sadness following the death of a third learner, who was involved in a horrific accident on 8 April 2026. The department said the incident had already claimed the lives of two other learners and the driver.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said following the accident, two Grade 12 learners sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Motsumi said sadly, one of the injured learners succumbed to her injuries on 11 April 2026, bringing the total number of fatalities to three learners and their driver.
“The four girl learners and their driver were travelling in their private transport from Delareyville to Vryburg to attend school, as it was the reopening of schools for the second term. It is further reported that, approximately 20 kilometres from Vryburg, their vehicle collided with a truck.
“Unfortunately, the crash resulted in the immediate loss of three lives. Two learners and the driver were declared dead at the scene, while the two other learners sustained severe injuries. The deceased learners were in Grades 9 and 10 respectively, while the seriously injured learners are both in Grade 12,” she said.
Motsumi further said they had been optimistic that the third learner would recover. She said, however, this was unfortunately not the case.
“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 take this moment to convey my sincerest condolences to all the bereaved families and to pray for a full recovery for the learner who is still in hospital,” said Motsumi.
She said her department prays for strength for all the families affected by this accident and for the Vryburg High School community to remain strong during these trying times. Motsumi said the fourth girl learner (also in Grade 12) is recovering well after a successful operation at Milpark Hospital.
Meanwhile, the memorial service for three learners will be held at Vryburg High School on Tuesday at 12pm.
The Guardian 