A total of 21 schoolchildren were injured in two separate transport accidents in KwaZulu Natal on Tuesday morning, placing emergency services under pressure during peak commute hours.
The KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service confirmed that its teams in Newcastle and Pietermaritzburg responded to both incidents within a short time frame.
Bus Crash In Newcastle
The first accident occurred on the P483 near the Karbochem turn off, where a bus carrying about 30 passengers lost control on a bend and veered into a ditch.
Three learners, aged between 10 and 16, sustained serious injuries including suspected spinal trauma and fractures. Seven others were treated for minor injuries such as cuts and soft tissue damage.
Emergency personnel, including fire and traffic services, assisted at the scene while the injured were stabilised and transported to nearby hospitals. The crash also caused traffic disruptions for over an hour.
Taxi Overturns In Pietermaritzburg
Shortly after, a second incident took place on Khan Road in Pietermaritzburg, where a minibus taxi transporting learners lost control, crashed into a boundary wall and overturned.
One learner was seriously injured, while 10 others were treated for minor injuries and shock. All were stabilised before being taken to hospital.
The South African Police Service and emergency crews secured the area to ensure safe rescue operations.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the causes of both accidents.
Despite the scale of the incidents, emergency responders confirmed that there were no fatalities or critically life threatening injuries.
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