13 children killed in South Africa as minibus collides with truck near Johannesburg

South Africa mourned the deaths on Monday of 13 schoolchildren who died when their minibus collided with a truck, ⁠local officials said in a statement, in an incident that put the spotlight on the country’s dismal road safety record.The private vehicle was transporting students to various primary schools and high schools in the southwest of Johannesburg when the incident occurred around 7am, according to authorities.Parents were seen weeping uncontrollably at the scene of the accident, while emergency services were picking up books and stationery.Relatives of children who died when the minibus they were riding in collided with a truck, weep at the scene of the crash on Monday. Photo: APPreliminary reports indicated at least 11 schoolchildren died at the scene, with two others succumbing to their injuries in hospital.A dangerous overtaking manoeuvre could have caused the incident, a ‌police official told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, adding that a culpable ‍homicide case would be opened.Gauteng Emergency Services transported five patients to the Sebokeng Hospital, while two others were taken to Kopanong Hospital for further medical care. The bus driver also suffered injuries and was among those taken to the hospital.President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sadness at the loss of life, stating that national and provincial authorities would provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.