On a solemn day last year, the Riebeeckstad High School community in Welkom was rocked by a devastating tragedy. A group of 58 pupils had been returning from an outdoor sports event held at the Moolmanshoek Nature Reserve near Ficksburg and Rosendal when the unthinkable happened. The schoolgirls were traveling back home when the bus they were on lost control, resulting in a tragic accident on the R70.
According to reports, the bus, which was carrying the students, overturned after the driver lost control when one of the wheels loosened. The shock of the incident was felt deeply by the community, as it led to the tragic deaths of six pupils. In addition to those who perished at the scene, four other students sustained critical injuries, while eight others experienced moderate injuries. The remaining 40 pupils were fortunate enough to sustain only minor injuries, but the emotional impact was felt throughout the region.
The affected pupils were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where they received immediate care. Some were sent to various hospitals in Welkom, Virginia, and Senekal. Among those admitted, 24 patients were taken to Bongani Hospital, with 22 being discharged after receiving medical attention. One pupil was transferred to Welkom Medi Clinic, while another remained at Bongani Hospital with serious but stable injuries.
In addition, 17 students were admitted to Medi Clinic in Welkom, with 15 later discharged. The remaining two students continued to receive treatment there. At Itemoheng Hospital in Senekal, four students were admitted, two of whom were later transferred to Dihlabeng Hospital. The other two pupils were discharged after treatment.
