MEC Cameron Dugmore's Response to Kloof Neck Bus Accident Court Judgement | Western Cape Government

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MEC Cameron Dugmore's Response to Kloof Neck Bus Accident Court Judgement

24 August 2007

Three learners and the driver of a bus transporting primary school learners on an educational excursion to Table Mountain died this afternoon when, according to initial reports, the brakes of the bus apparently failed.

 

About 40 learners are injured, of which seven seriously. They have been admitted to two Cape Town hospitals. The Safe Schools Call Centre staff of the Western Cape Education Department are tracing the names of the learners taken to each hospital.

The bus involved in the accident was one of two buses carrying about 130 children on the excursion. We cannot verify the cause of the accident at this stage, although we have heard reports of brake failure.

The MEC for Education Cameron Dugmore, who visited the scene soon after the incident, expressed his condolences to the families concerned, and said it was "tragic to loose young lives".

"But now is not the time to blame, but rather to give support to the families and the school.

"I particularly want to express my appreciation to Ms Nici Rothschild, who stays nearby where the accident happened. She has accommodated the learners in her house immediately after the accident, and given them comfort," said MEC Dugmore.

The accident happened after 13h00 this afternoon on the corner of Quarry Hill and Kloofnek Roads, and involved about 65 learners from Dennegeur Primary School, Strandfontein.

The WCED accommodated learners who were not hurt at Jan van Riebeeck High School while arranging transport back to Dennegeur Primary School.

WCED has provided counsellors at both Jan Van Riebeeck and Dennegeur to provide support for learners involved in the accident, their parents and teachers. The counsellors based at the WCED's Metropole South Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) and Safe Schools staff will continue to provide counselling and support at the school tomorrow.

The WCED is also arranging additional support from other EMDCs and the Safe Schools Division for tomorrow (Friday, 26 August). The department has clear guidelines on excursions. It does appear that the school planned the outing carefully, and that this tragedy was an accident. The WCED will investigate fully.

 

 

 

 

Media Enquiries: 

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Cell: 082 550 3938
Fax: 021 425 5689
Email: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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