Midlands tragedy: 5th child's body recovered

The bakkie had plunged into a sludge dam on a farm this morning after veering off the road.  

 

Paramedics from KZN EMS responded to the scene to discover 25 wet and cold school children, who had managed to rescue themselves out of the icy water. 

 

They had been on their way to school.

 

"Fortunately these children had only minor injuries and hypothermia was a greater concern. The children were transported to Greytown hospital, for further care," said spokesperson Robert McKenzie.

 

McKenzie says search and rescue teams on site recovered the body of the fifth child late this afternoon.

 

Meanwhile, the Education Department's Muzi Mahlambi 24 children who are in hospital after the crash will receive counselling.

 

"The affected schools from where these learners are from, we are planning that our officials visit these schools to do a psychological debriefing of their peers because they are going to be affected severely. At this stage, we will not want speculate as to what happened until the police have done and completed their investigation," he said.

 

"We would also like to send our utmost condolences to the families who have lost children is this horrific accident, a loss which words can’t describe or sooth the anguish the loved ones of these children must be feeling. It is truly a sad day," added McKenzie.