Buttskop: a year on
IT was sad when the parents, families and friends of pupils who died on this day a year ago at Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath, Western Cape, remembered them at a memorial service.
The community yesterday commemorated the first anniversary of the horrible accident where 10 schoolchildren died after their minibus had collided with a train.
The minibus taxi driver had allegedly failed to stop at the level crossing.
Pupils from Kalkfontein Primary School, who lost two of their colleagues, could not hold back their tears.
Provincial transport MEC Robin Carlisle spoke to the media and families standing near the railway line behind the crosses placed there after the accident.
"Today is one year since the tragic event that took place at Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath. Yesterday we were rocked by yet another senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 of our precious children in Knysna," Carlisle said.
"I am glad, therefore, to have some positive news. Two months after the Buttskop tragedy, I ordered the establishment of a level crossing task team from the road and rail authorities in the province.
"Since then, the team, under the leadership of my head of ministry, Hector Eliott, has quietly gone about its work of seeking solutions to the risks posed by the province's level crossings."
Ambrose Adams, who lost his child Jade, said: "It is still difficult to deal with the pain. Looking back at what happened does not lessen the pain. I do not know when this terrible ache will go away," Adams said.
One year ago - Community remembers its children
Buttskop: a year on
IT was sad when the parents, families and friends of pupils who died on this day a year ago at Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath, Western Cape, remembered them at a memorial service.
The community yesterday commemorated the first anniversary of the horrible accident where 10 schoolchildren died after their minibus had collided with a train.
The minibus taxi driver had allegedly failed to stop at the level crossing.
Pupils from Kalkfontein Primary School, who lost two of their colleagues, could not hold back their tears.
Provincial transport MEC Robin Carlisle spoke to the media and families standing near the railway line behind the crosses placed there after the accident.
"Today is one year since the tragic event that took place at Buttskop level crossing in Blackheath. Yesterday we were rocked by yet another senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 of our precious children in Knysna," Carlisle said.
"I am glad, therefore, to have some positive news. Two months after the Buttskop tragedy, I ordered the establishment of a level crossing task team from the road and rail authorities in the province.
"Since then, the team, under the leadership of my head of ministry, Hector Eliott, has quietly gone about its work of seeking solutions to the risks posed by the province's level crossings."
Ambrose Adams, who lost his child Jade, said: "It is still difficult to deal with the pain. Looking back at what happened does not lessen the pain. I do not know when this terrible ache will go away," Adams said.
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