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South Africa car crash: At least 20 school children killed in Mpumalanga road incident South Africa car crash: At least 20 school children killed in Mpumalanga road incident
(35 minutes later)
At least 20 school children have died in a car crash in South Africa, according to local emergency services.At least 20 school children have died in a car crash in South Africa, according to local emergency services.
The minibus carrying the children reportedly crashed into a truck before exploding into a fireball in Mpumalanga province, roughly 45 miles from the capital of Pretoria.  The minibus was ferrying children from school when it collided with a truck and exploded into a fireball between the towns of Verena and Bronkhorstpruit, roughly 45 miles northeast of the capital Pretoria, Russel Meiring, ER24 spokesman said.
An emergency services spokesperson confirmed to The Independent the minibus driver had also been killed. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, according to a spokesperson.  An emergency services spokesperson confirmed the minibus driver had also been killed. The truck driver sustained minor injuries, according to a spokesperson. 
Paramedics said seven children had sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical and had been transported to local hospitals.  Paramedics said seven children had sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical and had been transported to local hospitals. Some children had been dragged out of the vehicle by members of the local community. 
Investigations into the cause of the collision were taking place at the scene of the accident. Investigations into the cause of the collision were taking place at the scene of the accident. 
It was unclear how many children were in the minibus at the time of the crash. It was unclear how many children were in the minibus at the time of the crash. 
More follows... Even though it is Africa's most industrialised economy with a modern road network, South Africa has a dire road safety record. Road deaths rose to 235 during this year's Easter weekend compared with 156 fatalities last year, transport officials said earlier on Friday.
Additional reporting by agencies.