JOHANNESBURG – Eleven school children were killed in a tragic accident on the Vaal River on Monday morning.

The accident occurred on a narrow road near Vanderbijlpark, which is notorious for reckless truck driving, and the children were on their way to school.

Five other people were also seriously injured and taken to the hospital.

Emergency services are currently on the scene.

Read | Government launches crackdown on unsafe transport of students

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwalbe expressed concern over the accident.

She says work with the Department of Transport has found that while the roadworthiness of scholarship transport vehicles remains important, driver error is the leading cause of many fatal crashes.

The Minister stressed that drivers transporting children have a significant responsibility, which requires greater diligence and accountability.