Vanderbijlpark – The tragic aftermath of a scholar transport crash in Vanderbijlpark has deepened, with the death toll now standing at 14. Two more learners, who were critically injured in the collision earlier this week, succumbed to their injuries in the early hours of Thursday morning, police have confirmed.
The devastating incident involved a scholar transport vehicle and a truck. As a result of the increased number of fatalities, the 22-year-old driver of the scholar transport now faces a significantly graver legal situation. He is now charged with 14 counts of culpable homicide, in addition to the existing charges of reckless and negligent driving.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the updated charges, stating, "The 22-year-old scholar transport driver is now facing 14 counts of culpable homicide, as well as reckless and negligent driving."
The driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital, where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing, according to Masondo. Police are working to determine the precise cause of the crash and whether any other factors contributed to the tragic loss of life.
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