Minibus taxi crash leaves scholars injured at Spine Road

A group of pupils reportedly sustained minor injuries after a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi allegedly lost control and collided with six other vehicles at the corner of Spine Road and Merrydale Road in Portland.

The exact number of pupils injured could not be independently confirmed, as figures provided by officials varied.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said eight pupils were involved, while spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness for the Klipfontein Mitchell’s Plain substructure Samantha Lee-Jacobs said ten were treated at the Mitchell’s Plain Community Health Centre (MPCHC).

Mitchell’s Plain police spokesperson Brigadier Brian Muller said that eleven pupils sustained minor injuries.

Brigadier Muller said the white Toyota Quantum was dropping schoolchildren at their respective schools and the taxi was allegedly coming down the bridge towards the robots when the vehicle lost control and collided with six other vehicles.

"The taxi driver claimed the vehicle's brakes failed. The passengers, who were scholars, sustained minor injuries.”

Brigadier Muller said police responded to the scene on Tuesday May 27 at around 7am.

“They found multiple cars standing on the side of the road near the robots in front of Spine Road High School at the corner of Spine Road and Merrydale Road.”

Mitchell’s Plain detectives are investigating a case of reckless or negligent driving, he said.

Ms Lee-Jacobs said the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness said 10 pupils aged between seven and 17 were treated at the MPCHC on Tuesday May 27.

“The children were brought to the facility by ambulance and private vehicles and were treated for moderate injuries. All children were discharged home directly from the emergency centre on the same day,” she said.

Ms Hammond the pupils included two from Seaview Primary School, three from Wavecrest Primary School, one from Littlewood Primary School, one from Cedar High School of Arts, and one from Glendale High School.

Seaview Primary School confirmed that their two pupils were back at school and “are good and well.”

Wavecrest Primary School said their traffic officer informed the school that the affected pupils were taken to the day hospital.

“The principal went to the scene and they are fine and went for a check-up. We have a scholar patrol that runs daily,” the school said.

Littlewood Primary School said their pupil had not returned to school but was discharged and sent home to recover.

“The traffic officer who works at the school received numerous calls from our neighbourhood watch and one parent informed us about the accident on Tuesday morning,” the school said.

Cedar High School of Arts did not confirm whether their pupil had returned to school, citing the need to protect the pupil’s privacy.

Glendale High School confirmed that one of their pupils was affected in the accident but declined to comment further without parental permission.

Ms Hammond said schools were promptly notified of the incident and arrangements were made for the remaining pupils to be collected and transported to their respective schools.

“Officials from the WCED Safe Schools sub-directorate were on scene to provide the relevant support,” Ms Hammond said.