Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep concern following a frightening incident in which a scholar transport bus carrying learners from Thutong Junior Secondary School caught fire on Thursday morning in Soshanguve.
According to preliminary reports, the bus was transporting 65 learners from Soshanguve Extension 1 to school when it suddenly caught fire along Aubrey Matlala Road, near Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Fortunately, all learners managed to evacuate safely before the flames engulfed the vehicle.
Emergency services and local clinic staff responded swiftly. Learners were taken to a nearby clinic for medical assessment for shock and smoke inhalation. One Grade 8 girl sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Gauteng Department of Education has since deployed district social workers to provide psychosocial support to the affected learners and school staff.
MEC Chiloane said the safety of learners remains a top priority and called on all scholar transport service providers to comply strictly with their Service Level Agreements.
“We are deeply concerned about this frightening incident. The safety of our learners is paramount. All scholar transport service providers must ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained to prevent such incidents in the future,” said MEC Chiloane.
Further the cause of the fire is under investigation.
About The Author
