'Drunk' driver crashes school bus
2009-04-03 09:45
Pretoria - A bus driver was arrested after he apparently crashed a bus with primary school children on board into a gate at a lodge while under the influence of liquor.
About 55 rugby players aged between 11 and 13 from Theresa Park Primary School were on their way back home after a tour to Sediba Kwela in the North West on Wednesday when the accident happened.
Several furious parents expressed their dismay about the incident, and said there should have been better supervision.
A mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, said her son was on the bus, which the driver apparently "drove like a maniac".
According to her, some of the children saw him drinking while he was driving and when they confronted him, he swore at them.
The driver allegedly also drove on the wrong side of the road at one stage, and barely managed not to drive off a bridge. Where he was supposed to have turned off at a T-junction, he continued straight and crashed into the gate and fence of a lodge.
Children 'hysterical'
"Some of the children were hysterical and called their parents from their cellphones. I don't want to think about what could have happened. I am so grateful none of the children were hurt," said the mother.
A teacher from the school, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he had told the driver not to leave before one of the staff members was also on the bus.
The driver ignored the request and apparently said it was his bus and he would leave when he wanted. "We got a huge fright and chased after him."
The teacher said liquor was found on the bus.
The accident happened at about 12:00. Some of the farmers in the area took care of the children and took them to the Roodekoppiedam Plaza where some of their parents could fetch them.
A police spokesperson confirmed the incident and said the bus driver would appear in the Brits court on Friday in connection with drunken driving.
André Bezuidenhout, the owner of Bus Rentals, confirmed one of his drivers was being held. "We can't say anything at this stage. The necessary procedure was followed, the driver's alcohol levels were tested and now we wait to see what happens in court."