KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial traffic authorities will take a new look at school transport safety following a truck accident near Umlazi on Tuesday that left 83 children injured.
KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate spokesperson Logan Maistry said on Wednesday the provincial minister for transport, Bhaki Cele, visited the injured children at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial hospital near Umlazi shortly after the accident and ordered an full investigation into the accident.
He said a programme looking at all safety aspects regarding pupils and children and ways to regulate it will be launched shortly.
On Wednesday afternoon five children were still in a critical condition, hospital official said.
Hospital spokesperson Mbuso Mshentshela said one severely injured child had been transferred to the City hospital in Durban, but most of the children had been treated and discharged on Tuesday night. Most sustained minor injuries.
Apparently the children were at a sports meeting and took a lift back to town when the accident happened. The driver of the truck was not admitted to hospital.
Police spokesperson Inspector Rani John said the driver has not been arrested.
A reckless and negligent driving docket has been opened. — Sapa