Three school children were killed on Monday when a bakkie crashed into them in Memel, Free State police said.
Sergeant Mmako Mophiring said four children, aged between seven and eight, were standing against a shop wall on Monday morning when the driver of a bakkie lost control of his vehicle.
The children, two girls and two boys, were waiting for transport to school.
“Three of the children, two girls and one boy, sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead on the scene.”
It was believed the bakkie had been speeding.
“The children were pushed by the bakkie through the wall.”
The remaining eight-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
The 29-year-old driver, who claimed the bakkie's brakes failed, was arrested on the scene. He would face culpable homicide charges in the Memel District Court on Wednesday. – Sapa