The cause of the collapse is not yet known, but Lesufi said the school was 45 years old. (Netcare)
Three pupils died at Hoerskool Driehoek in Vanderbijlpark on Friday morning after a walkway collapsed at the school. Two boys and one girl died on the scene.
Speaking at the school this morning, Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi said 21 pupils were in the hospital.
Netcare 911 reported earlier that “multiple people have sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate”.
Gauteng helicopter emergency medical services had airlifted several pupils needing urgent medical attention to nearby hospitals.
The cause of the collapse is not yet known, but Lesufi said the school was 45 years old. He also announced the immediate closure of the school.
“It is painful to see those tiny bodies in that state. … We extend our sincere condolences. I will be visiting all learners in hospital,” said Lesufi.
On Sunday morning, Lesufi confirmed that a four pupil had died following the accident.
This article has been amended to reflect the report of a four child’s death following Friday morning’s accident.