Scholar transporter carrying 17 pupils involved in accident while fleeing police

The scene of an accident on the N4 involving a scholar transport vehicle. Picture: X / @Patriot_S_A A vehicle carrying 17 pupils has been involved in an accident after the driver attempted to flee authorities. The accident occurred on the N4 near Atteridgeville in Tshwane at roughly 7am on Monday morning.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) confirmed that all 17 pupils were taken to hospital and no fatalities were reported. The department stated on Monday that law enforcement had unsuccessfully attempted to pull over the nine-seater Toyota Condor. Authorities pursued the vehicle, which diverted onto an old dirt road, after which it rejoined the highway and collided with a Mercedes-Benz.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. “Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” statedtransport MECKedibone Diale-Tlabela.

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The department also confirmed the driver was driving without a valid licence. “The driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour,” The MEC concluded. The provincial government has been on a compliance drive this year after an accident near Vereeniging resulted in the deaths of 14 pupils. The department implemented stricter requirements for permit approvals and arranged discounted rates at vehicle testing centres.

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