Three children and school transport driver killed in head-on R59 crash near Sasolburg

Four people, including three young children, have died following a head-on collision between a school transport vehicle and a truck on the R59 between Sasolburg and Vaalpark.

The crash happened on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at about 3.15pm, according to police.

The collision involved a Volkswagen Caravelle travelling from Vaalpark towards Sasolburg and a Mercedes-Benz truck heading in the direction of Vereeniging.

Three children among those killed

Police said the driver of the Volkswagen Caravelle, a 60-year-old man, and three children aged between six and nine were declared dead at the scene.

The children who died included one girl and two boys.

Several other children were injured in the collision.

One boy was airlifted to a hospital in Alberton, while three other children who sustained serious injuries were taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.

The truck driver survived the crash.

Police investigate cause of R59 collision

Police have opened a case of culpable homicide at Sasolburg police station as investigators work to establish what led to the head-on collision.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and police have not yet confirmed what caused the two vehicles to collide.

The incident is another reminder of the devastating consequences of serious road crashes, particularly when children are involved.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

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Source: IOL