A SPECIAL DISASTER FUND has been set up in support of medical and funeral costs of the victims of a bus accident yesterday, in which three learners and the driver died.

Almost 40 learners were also injured, of which six seriously after an educational excursion to Table Mountain ended in tragedy when the brakes of the bus they were travelling in, apparently failed. The injured had been admitted to various Cape hospitals, of which some underwent emergency surgery.

Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore has expressed his appreciation for the support that the department and the school have received after Old Mutual has pledged R120 000, and the Standard Bank R50 000. Various individuals have also inquired about making donations in support of the school.

The special account has been provided by Standard Bank to assist the school with medical and funeral costs. The bank details are as follows:

Dennegeur Avenue Primary Disaster Fund

Standard Bank Promenade Branch

Branch code 026609

Account number: 657621544

The three learners who have died instantly on the scene yesterday, were Shavonne Beck, Angelique Johnson and Brent Stander, all grade 7 pupils.

The following six learners are still in a critical but stable condition - Dylan Keswardt, Tasneem Cosyn, Robin Theunis, Muneeba Witbooi (all in the Red Cross Children's Hospital), Taariq Jackson and Abdul-Waghied Botha (in Chris Barnard Memorial Hospital), as well as three parents.

MEC Dugmore this morning visited the Dennegeur Primary School in Strandfontein to express his condolences and give support to grief-stricken parents, learners and educators.

About a thousand learners, educators and parents packed the Apostolic Faith Mission Church, adjacent to the school, to hear messages of support from the MEC, the principal Mr Shaheed Gaidien and various ministers.

MEC Dugmore relayed condolences on behalf of the Premier, Transport and Public Works MEC Marius Fransman and the whole government. He announced that MEC Fransman will at another time visit the families, and has already announced a thorough investigation into the accident.

"Now, however, is not the time for blame, but a time for us to stand together and support each other," said MEC Dugmore. He said the community was not alone in its time of bereavement, and that the government will provide whatever support it can to the school and the families.

He has expressed his appreciation with the leadership and support that Mr Gaidien is providing to the school and the community, and thanked everyone for providing whatever assistance.

Psychologists from the WCED are assisting with counselling and debriefing. They are also assisting the school with transport and other support arrangements. The counselling and support will continue for as long as it is necessary.

Any member of the public who wishes to avail his/her assistance, can contact the following numbers: School - 021 393 3475; Mr Gaidien (principal) 084 589 9110; or Mr N. Adams (educator) 082 402 4694.

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.