Statement by the André Gaum, Western Cape Education Department

Three boarders died in a tragic road accident on Friday, 23 January 2004, while returning home for the weekend from the hostel at Skurweberg Secondary School near Ceres.

The learners, two girls and a boy, were among 22 who were travelling to homes in the Citrusdal area in bakkie organised by parents.

Four learners were admitted to the Tygerberg Hospital for treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. By Sunday night, six of the learners were still in hospital in the Ceres Provincial Hospital.

Those who died or who were injured were Grade 10 learners at Skurweberg Secondary. They had enrolled at the school for the first time this year.

This is a horrific accident. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and the families of those who were injured. The school and the district office of the Western Cape Education Department are providing all possible help and support.

The Director of Education for the Breede River/Overberg District, the Circuit Manager and the Chief Psychologist for the district visited the Ceres hospital immediately on hearing of the accident and are in constant contact with the parents of the learners involved.

Two psychologists from the district office visited the school this morning to provide counseling to learners and staff.

The Director of Education for the Breede River/Overberg District, the Circuit Manager and the Chief Psychologist for the district visited the school immediately on hearing of the accident and are in constant contact with the parents of the learners involved.

The Circuit Manager has visited the injured learners in hospital, and two psychologists from the district office visited the school this morning to provide counseling to learners and staff.