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The Eastern Cape Transport Department says six learners were killed and 18 other people were injured when two vehicles that were involved in an accident ploughed into a group of learners walking home.
Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said the tragic accident occurred near the Ndamase Senior Secondary School at Cumgce Location on Tuesday afternoon.
He said the flatbed truck, ferrying some learners and loaded with building materials, collided with a bakkie also carrying learners.
Binqose said the two vehicles veered off the road after the collision, ploughing into the learners walking on the side of the road.
He said six learners, four teenage girls, and two boys died on the scene.
Eighteen others, including both drivers and 16 learners, were taken to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospital for treatment.
“The cause of the accident is still unknown at this stage. A culpable homicide docket has been opened at Ngqeleni SAPS,” Binqose said.
