NORTH WEST – A private bus carrying 20 students from Letsatsing Secondary School caught fire at Unit 9 in Mmabatho, close to Mafikeng in North West.
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries after the event on Saturday, July 16.
The students from Letsatsing Secondary School were enrolled in winter camp sessions at Mosikare Secondary School in Mantsha Village, according to the North West Department of Education. The bus exploded as it was dropping off students in Mmabatho settlement on the route back to their home.
Mmaphefo Matsemela, the MEC for Education for the North West, expressed gratitude that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, l am truly grateful that there were no injuries reported. The purpose of the winter camps is primarily to improve the performance of our learners,” he said.
Matsemela urged bus drivers to always use extraordinary caution when transporting students.
“They should ensure that their buses are roadworthy, and they comply with the rules of the road,” Matsemela said.
#BusExplosion The North West department of Eduction has confirmed that a private bus transporting 20 learners from Letsatsing Secondary School near Mahikeng exploded.
No learners were injured in the incident on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/0EH4GW1K01
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) July 18, 2022
The department has reportedly arranged counselling for all the affected learners for Monday, 18 July 2022 at Letsatsing Secondary School in Mafikeng.
According to reports, the department has scheduled counselling for all the impacted students on Monday, July 18, 2022, at Letsatsing Secondary School in Mafikeng.