A Grade 11 learner at the Protea Glen Secondary School 1 has died in a vehicle accident that took place on her way to school. The learner along with 13 other passengers were affected by the incident, with many in hospital receiving medical attention.

In a statement, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that the incident occurred this morning in the Protea Glen region adding that it was involving a private scholar transport.

The vehicle, a Toyota Condor, which was said to have been transporting fourteen learners to Protea Glen Secondary School 1, Protea Glen Secondary School 2 and Faranani Primary School to begin the school day, saw the driver lose control which caused the vehicle to overturn.

 

As a result, one learner died and the other passengers were left injured.

According to the department, all the learners were transported to different medical facilities adding that its Psycho-Social Support Team went to the scene of the accident, where they were able to extend their support to the families.

 

“We are dismayed by the news of a tragic incident which has taken the life of one of our learners. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the learner’s family for their loss. We also wish those learners who were injured by the accident a speedy recovery,”-  MEC Chiloane.

 
The accident comes amid rising tensions around schooling and safety in the province, as recent incidents of violence involving school learners have occurred.