A bus accident which took place on the R70 near Ventersburg in the Free State on Tuesday (6/2), claimed the lives of six learners of the Riebeeckstad High School in Welkom.

The spokesperson in the office of the Free State Premier, Palesa Chubisi, said the bus overturned on the R70 between Ventersburg and Senekal, 30km from Ventersburg.

58 learners were travelling from an all-girls sports event when the accident took place. They were travelling from an outdoor sports event in Moolmanshoek near Rosendal to Riebeeckstad in Welkom.

Chubisi said six learners were declared dead on the scene, while four were severely injured. 40 learners survived with minor injuries and eight with moderate injuries. The injured patients were transported to various hospitals in Welkom and Senekal.

Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, expressed sadness and said the province has been robbed of its future.

“This tragedy struck while we were celebrating the success of the Matric Class of 2023. The deaths of those souls have robbed us of the future of our province,” he added.

Dukwana sent condolences to bereaved families and wished injured learners’ a speedy recovery. The Free State MEC for Education, Makalo Mohale, is expected to visit the school and families affected by the tragedy on Wednesday.

This is a developing story.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi db/cg