By 
The Free State MEC for the Department of Education Dr Julia Maboya has expressed her deepest condolences to the families of the three pupils who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Bloemfontein last week Friday, 24 January 2025.
The accident occurred when the learners were in transit to their school Dr CF Visserskool, two of them reportedly passed away at the accident scene while the other succumbed to injuries in hospital. The fourth learner is still in hospital recovering.
According to the Department of Education, three of the learners were siblings and were identified as Ryan Smith (6), Ayden Smith (8) and Leane Vah Papendorp (8), they were with a friend Tennique Joubert (6) who is in ICU due to severe injuries at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
“On behalf of the entire education fraternity in the Free State and South Africa, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased learners. May they find comfort in knowing that we share their loss and mourn the passing of these young lives.
The Free State Department of Education has made psychosocial support available to teachers and learners affected by the tragedy. Senior officials will visit the school to offer condolences, assess the situation, and provide support to those grieving. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of supporting those affected by loss,” said the MEC Julia Maboya.
