Five school kids die as bakkie rollovers in Mitchell's Plain

Five children, aged between 13 and 16, were killed and another critically injured when the bakkie they travelled in rolled multiple times on A Z Berman Drive in Mitchells Plain, on Tuesday morning.

PICTURE SUPPLIED

A similar incident occurred a month ago, where a Grade 5learner was killed following a collision between a taxi and another car inLentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain.

ER24's Russel Meiring said paramedics found a bakkie upright in the middle of the road on Tuesday.

‘’Several children believed to be aged between 13 and 16, were seen scattered some distance away from the bakkie. Medics assessed the children and found that five had already succumbed to their numerous injuries while a sixth was in critical condition with numerous injuries.’’

‘’Paramedics treated the critical patient and provided him with numerous advanced life support interventions before he was transported to a nearby hospital for urgent care,’’ added Meiring.

Sub-Council 17 Chairperson, Elton Jansen said the learners are from Wespoort Primary School, Duneside -, Highlands -, Harvester -,Ridgeville Primary School, and Lentegeur High School.

Jansen expressed his condolences to those affected. He called on safer scholar transport.

‘’I call for the banning of transporting scholars on open vehicles/bakkies, overcrowded vehicles, and vehicles without the necessary safety measures.’’

The Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, shared Jansen’s sentiments.

"How many more school children must we lose on our roads before the transportation of children are taken seriously by these transport operators!?,’’ asked Mackenzie.

"Anyone who's transporting passengers, especially children, have a waited responsibility to keep them safe. All vehicles must be roadworthy and must have a permit, and drivers must obey the rules of the road," he added.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his condolences to the families and those affected.

‘’This is a terrible, dark day in our city. As a parent, my heart breaks for those who will not see their children return home from school today. While it can never restore the lives so tragically taken, we trust that authorities will establish the full facts surrounding this incident so that there may be accountability for any wrongdoing.’’

Western Cape SAPS confirmed the incident.

"Mitchell's Plain police registered a culpable homicide case... The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," said Sergeant Wesley Twigg.

Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George