The death toll from the horror accident involving a scholar transport vehicle and a freight train has risen to three.
During a visit to Livingstone Hospital on Saturday by officials from the Department of Education, where at least five pupils were receiving treatment for their injuries, it was confirmed a second pupil had died.
Acting head of department, Sharon Maasdorp, who visited some of the pupils at the hospital and offered comfort to grieving parents, said it was with great sadness to learn about the death of the teenager whose name and age have not yet been disclosed.
“This is not what we want to see.
“Drivers must be mindful and vigilant when transporting our children. They must put the lives of our learners first,” Maasdorp said.
Speaking to the media at the hospital, Maasdorp confirmed two pupils had been in theatre and were in a stable condition, while another had just been taken in, and a fourth was awaiting his turn.
Another pupil had suffered a leg injury but was recovering well, Maasdorp said.
One of the mothers at the hospital, Thomzama Pokbaas, 39, said her son, Lutholwethu, 17, had suffered serious injuries to his head and upper body during Thursday's crash.
“He is in a lot of pain and has a lot of swelling.
“My heart is broken,” Pokbaas said.
It is alleged the accident, which occurred at about 3.40pm on Thursday, occurred when the driver of the scholar transport vehicle tried to cross the railway line near the Nomathamsanqa Location when the train, carrying manganese, collided with it.
Twelve Samkelwe Senior Secondary School pupils, of Addo, were inside the vehicle at the time.
The driver died on the scene, while three boys aged between 15 and 18 suffered serious injuries.
A 15-year-old who was airlifted to Livingstone died shortly after arrival.
One of the other seriously injured boys was later transferred to Livingstone by ambulance, while the others injured in the crash were transferred to Uitenhage Provincial Hospital and the Sundays River Valley Hospital for treatment.
Maasdorp sent her condolences to the pupils and families affected by the tragedy and confirmed that district officials were actively offering support to them.
According to Maasdorp, education officials would meet on Saturday evening to discuss the matter and a way forward.
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.