Scholar transport overturns in Paarl, injuring 17 pupils

Seventeen pupils from New Orleans Secondary School, in Paarl, were injured on Monday morning, November 17, when their scholar transport overturned, according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

WCED spokesperson, Millicent Merton, said: “All the learners were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment, and three sustained serious injuries. Counselling support has been provided to the school by the district.”

The DFW Fire & Rescue NPC said it responded to the scene after receiving an emergency call at around 7:45am, about the incident, which occurred on Sonstraal Road.

“While the driver and the other learners appeared only slightly injured, they were all transported to the hospital by the ambulance services,” the organisation said. 

The Drakenstein Municipality confirmed that the wreckage of the minibus taxi had been removed and that the roadway was clear.

“Our thoughts are with the learners, their families, and everyone affected by this incident,” said the municipality in a social media post.

The school did not respond to the questions from Bolander by the time of publication.