Thirteen schoolchildren died in a severe accident in South Africa on Monday morning. The minibus they were travelling in collided with a lorry around 07:00 local time near Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. Eleven students died instantly, and two more later died from injuries. Two pupils are still in critical condition. According to police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, the minibus driver tried to overtake two vehicles and crashed into the lorry. Masondo said, "A case of culpable homicide would be opened." The minibus driver is reportedly in hospital. Details about the lorry driver remain uncertain. South Africa sees many fatal road accidents due to speeding, reckless driving, and poor vehicle maintenance. In 2025, over 11,000 people died on its roads, averaging 31 deaths daily. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the crash "distressing." He added, "Our children are the nation's most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners."