Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health has verified the number of fatalities from the Vanderbijlpark learner transport accident as 12 and also stated that the driver of the minibus taxi was discharged from hospital and was now in police custody.
Earlier reports suggested that the death toll from Monday’s collision had risen to 14; however, the department has moved to correct the information.
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In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, saying: “The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to address and dispel the unverified reports suggesting that the number of fatalities from the Vanderbijlpark learner transport accident has risen to 14.
“The department reiterates that the confirmed number of learners who tragically lost their lives and were collected from the scene remains at 12, as reported yesterday.”
The department further warned: “While moments of crisis can often lead to speculation, the spread of unconfirmed figures and misinformation is causing unnecessary harm.
“Such inaccuracies fuel confusion at a sensitive time and divert attention from the critical work of supporting affected families and providing medical care to survivors.”
Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko appealed to the public to rely on official government communication channels for accurate updates.
These include the Gauteng Departments of Health and Education, which have been provided with verified information based on reports from hospitals treating survivors and the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service, responsible for admitting and processing the deceased.
“As initially reported by the Gauteng Department of Health, seven survivors were transported by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services to Sebokeng Hospital and Kopanong Hospital,” the statement said.
“At Sebokeng Hospital, four learners and the minibus taxi driver were admitted and received necessary treatment.
“Kopanong Hospital managed one learner and one adult, who is the assistant to the truck driver, for minor injuries, and both were discharged yesterday.
“As of 07h00 this morning, Sebokeng Hospital has three learners admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.”
The department said one learner remains critically unstable, while the other two are in a critical but stable condition.
“The fourth learner was airlifted to a private hospital in Alberton last night for further specialised care,” the statement said.
“All the ICU patients are female, aged 10, 15, and 16, and the learner who was airlifted is a 17-year-old female.
“The taxi driver was also discharged yesterday and was immediately taken into custody by the South African Police Service.”
Of the 12 learners who passed away, 11 bodies have already been identified by their families, with one awaiting verification.
The department said the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service aims to finalise all autopsies by the close of business today, Tuesday, 20 January 2026, to enable families to continue with preparations for dignified send-offs.
“Let us work together to protect the dignity of the victims and ensure accurate information reaches our communities,” the department said.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko lamented that at a time when families were grieving and communities were in shock, the spread of inaccurate figures caused unnecessary panic and deepened the trauma of those directly affected.
“We call on the public, community leaders, and media platforms to refrain from sharing unverified information and to help protect the dignity of the victims and their families,” stated MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“We commit to transparency and timely updates as soon as facts are fully verified.”
The post Vanderbijlpark Horror School Run: Health MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko Says Death Toll Stands At 12 appeared first on The Bulrushes.
