Seventeen children have been hospitalised after their scholar transport vehicle collided with another vehicle when the driver attempted to evade traffic officers in Tshwane earlier this morning.

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela confirmed that the crash occurred on the N4 Eastbound near the Atteridgeville area. Diale-Tlabela says the driver was operating without a valid driver’s licence.

“According to reports, a 9-seater Toyota Condor transporting 17 schoolchildren collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.”

Diale-Tlabela says although no fatalities were recorded, the accident highlighted the need for urgent interventions.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated.”

The MEC added that the driver of the vehicle should be held responsible for his actions and face the full might of the law.