The horror accident has left the entire country in shock.
Messages of condolence poured in for the families of the 20 victims who died when a minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck, catching fire.
The accident, in which 18 of the 20 victims were school kids, happened on the R25 between Verena and Bronkhorstpruit, just outside Tshwane on Friday afternoon.
“Indeed it is a sad day in our province, I just cannot imagine the pain the parents of these children are going through. We convey our deepest condolences, their pain is our pain, and we will be with them during this difficult time in their lives,” – Premier David Mabuza.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of our learners and we take this opportunity to extend our profound condolences to the affected families. May the soul of the departed rest in peace,” – Mpumalanga education MEC Reginah Mhaule.
“It is saddening that the accident happens just hours after the minister of transport released the Easter stats which increased dramatically. The struggle to curb road fatalities it’s a societal issue and it needs all of us to work together in advancing this struggle. Whilst the cause of the accident is not yet known, we hope the Department of Transport will consider ceding R25 to SANRAL for proper upgrades. One life lost is too many,” SACP provincial secretary Bonakele Majuba.
“This is a sad and painful tragedy‚ taking place just when the country is coming to terms with a number of lives that have been lost during the Easter weekend. On behalf of government and all South Africans we extend our heartfelt condolences to families of the learners‚ relatives and friends. May their souls rest in peace‚” – President Jacob Zuma.
(edited by MLM)
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