Johannesburg, July 10 – In a tragic incident, at least 12 children have died after a minibus carrying students overturned in South Africa's northeastern province of Gauteng. The accident occurred near the town of Merafong, approximately 70 kilometers from Johannesburg, on Wednesday morning.

The minibus, transporting school children, overturned and collided with another vehicle before catching fire. The driver of the minibus was also killed in the accident. Seven children who were injured were rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment. The ages of the deceased children have not yet been released by authorities.

Images broadcast on local television showed the minibus engulfed in flames. Matomi Chilowane, Gauteng's Provincial Education Minister, expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating, "I am deeply saddened. Losing children is a devastating blow to our community."

Despite South Africa having the most advanced road network on the African continent, the country has a poor record of road safety. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of road users in the region.

The Gauteng provincial government is expected to provide further updates as investigations into the accident continue.