SIX pupils tragedy died, and 40 more were injured in a bus crash when it overturned.
The incident happened on Tuesday, 6 February, while the bus was travelling on the R70 Ventersburg- Senekal road in the Free State.
A spokeswoman of the Free State Office of the Premier Palesa Chubisi confirmed the incident, claiming that approximately 58 female pupils from an all-girls sports event were involved in the deadly accident.
"Six learners were sadly declared dead on the scene, 40 survived with minor injuries, eight moderate injuries and 4 of them have severely been injured. They were on the way from an outdoor event in Moolmanshoek near Rosendal to Riebeeckstad in Welkom," she said.
Chubisi said this tragic incident has left the Premier in more sadness, especially now that the province is celebrating the class of 2023.
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"This tragedy struck as we were busy celebrating the success of the matric class of 2023. The deaths of those souls have robbed us of the future of our province. Words fail me, and I can only imagine what the families are going through.
"I'd like to express my profound condolences to the bereaved families and also wish the injured a speedy recovery," Chubisi said.
She added that patients have been transported to various hospitals in Welkom and Senekal.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga conveyed her deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the pupils who died.
"Our prayers are with the families and relatives of the deceased. This is not the kind of news that any parent can expect when their children have gone out on a school excursion. We hope that an investigation will shed light on what happened," she said.
