The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the village of Mafube, close to the city of Middelburg, about 180 kilometres (110 miles) northeast of Johannesburg.

The death toll for the accident was revised up to six this morning from an initial five.

“The sixth learner succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the nearby hospital,” the provincial transport department said in a statement.

The crash happened when the school bus, which was transporting about 30 students, crossed a railway line as the train was approaching, the department said.

“We cannot lose such young and innocent lives due to recklessness,” the government said, adding that “people need to take accountability for their negligence.”

The bus driver and train driver were also recovering in hospital, the provincial ministry told AFP.

South Africa has one of the most developed road networks on the continent but also one of the worst road safety records, in part due to reckless driving and vehicles that are not roadworthy.

Privately owned minibus taxis are the main mode of transport for millions of working-class South Africans.

Many parents have to rely on private minibuses to take their children to school.

CHANNELS.