The Western Cape Education Department says it has established that there were no fatalities during this morning’s taxi-accident outside Parliament.

The WCED was notified of a vehicle accident in the centre of town involving 21 learners.

The vehicle crashed into the steel barricades outside of the national Parliament. The learners are reportedly from 12 different schools, largely within the city bowl and Walmer Estate areas.

Their ages range from 6 to 14 years of age.

21 learners and 2 adults were in the minibus taxi when it crashed. The injuries of the learners range from serious to minor, with learners being sent to Red Cross Hospital. Somerset Hospital, Green Point Clinic and District 6 clinic.

Some of the principals were on the scene and have accompanied learners to the various hospitals and clinics.

The parents of the learners are being notified. The WCED Metro Central Specialised Support team is on standby for assistance with requests for counselling and psychological support.

The Department says while it does not know the exact cause of the accident, certain aspects has emerged:

o The driver is allegedly an unlicensed driver,
o The vehicle is allegedly not licensed, and
o There is allegedly no operating license.

A full investigation is underway.