KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service’s Newcastle and PMB teams were stretched to capacity on Tuesday morning as two serious transport accidents involving schoolchildren occurred within a short space of time across KwaZulu-Natal.
Between 07:30 and 08:00, a total of 21 learners aged between 10 and 16 required medical attention following a bus crash in Newcastle and a taxi overturning in Pietermaritzburg.
The first incident took place on the P483 near the Karbochem turn-off in Newcastle, where a bus transporting approximately 30 passengers lost control while navigating a corner and veered off the road into a ditch. Emergency responders arrived to find multiple injured learners, prompting a large-scale triage operation.
Three students sustained serious injuries, including suspected spinal trauma and multiple fractures, while seven others were treated for minor injuries such as soft tissue damage and lacerations. Emergency services, including the local fire department and traffic officials, worked to secure the scene as traffic on the route was disrupted for more than an hour.
Shortly thereafter, another crash was reported on Khan Road in Pietermaritzburg. A minibus taxi carrying learners lost control, collided with a boundary wall, and overturned. One learner sustained serious injuries, while 10 others suffered minor injuries and shock.
Emergency personnel, supported by SAPS and fire services, cordoned off the area to allow paramedics to treat the injured. All 11 patients were stabilised at the scene before being transported to nearby medical facilities. Traffic in the area was affected for about an hour.
Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents. Despite the severity of the crashes, no fatalities were reported.
