New Details: Vaal Scholar Taxi Crash – Driver Arrested, Death Toll Revised to 12

New details have emerged in the fatal Vaal scholar taxi crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners.

The 22-year-old scholar transport driver involved in the crash has been arrested and is expected to appear at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within the next 48 hours. He faces 12 counts of culpable homicide, as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving.

The crash involved a minibus taxi and a side tipper truck on Fred Droste Road near the N1, close to the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Vanderbijlpark. Initial reports placed the death toll at 13, but officials have since confirmed that it has been revised to 12 learners.

Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital following the crash.
Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that injured learners were admitted to the intensive care unit at Sebokeng Hospital. One learner remains critically unstable, while two others are in a critical but stable condition. All ICU patients are female, aged 10, 15, and 16. A 17-year-old female learner was airlifted to a private hospital.

Authorities also confirmed that all but one of the deceased learners have been identified. The unidentified learner is from Hoërskool Vanderbijlpark. Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said officials are working closely with families, and that all autopsies are expected to be finalised by the end of Tuesday.

Police further confirmed that 12 learners passed away at the scene, five were taken to hospital for medical treatment, and one learner has since been discharged.

This video outlines the latest verified information as it stands.

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