A train has ploughed into a school bus on the tracks, killing six learners and leaving 19 other learners injured, between Arnot and Wonderfontein, Mpumalanga.
The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon when the children were being transported home to the village of Mafube from Moreig Primary and High schools.
A witness who lives nearby told SowetanLIVE that children's bodies were scattered everywhere.
At first, five learners were confirmed to be dead, but a sixth child who was rushed to hospital died later.
Eyewitnesses stated the bus was crossing the railway line as the train was approaching.
A grieving mother appeared live on SABC, saying that two of her children were in the accident which claimed the one child’s life, while the other was receiving treatment.
Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Department of Community, Safety, Security and Liaison, Mmusi Moeti said paramedics and other personnel had gone to the crash scene to search through the wreckage for any other survivors.
Traffic officials and police officers have begun investigating the accident.
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, accompanied by provincial transport and traffic management officials, has conducted a site visit.
The Department of Transport has made a call for the safety of school children to be prioritised.
A similar incident took place when 12 learners died in a fatal car crash, while riding in a scholar transport, this took place in Merafong City, West Rand, Gauteng.
IOL