YET another group of Eastern Cape pupils has been killed in a horror accident.
On Tuesday, 14 June, six pupils were killed and 18 others injured in a crash in Ngqeleni near Buntingville.
The incident comes as the provincial department of education is still mourning two pupils from Dale College, who died on their way from a hockey match last month.
Transport spokesman Unathi Binqose said: “The tragic accident occurred near Ndamase Senior Secondary School when two vehicles, a truck with pupils and loaded with building material, collided with a bakkie also carrying pupils.
“Allegedly, the vehicles veered off the road after the collision and then ploughed into the pupils walking on the side of the road, killing six on the scene. Of the six, four were girls and two boys. The injured were taken to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospital for treatment and the cause of the accident is still unknown at this stage.”
Education MEC Fundile Gade sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, schooling community and pupils.
“I wish the families could find solace in God during these trying times of their lives. Our prayers are with the bereaved families and we wish all those still hospitalised a speedy recovery.
“The department has activated psychosocial support services to assist the pupils and teachers, including the bereaved families. A team from the education district office would visit all affected families, including those still at the hospital due to their injuries,” said Gade.
