At least 20 children have died and 60 more people were left injured after a bus crash in Uganda. According to the initial investigation, the children were returning home from Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District, Uganda after a school trip.
The bus veered off on a dangerously road as the driver reportedly hit a huge rock after losing control of the vehicle, and overturned. The school founder is among the people who have died in the tragic incident. The bus, carrying pupils from King David Junior School in Ndejje, crashed at about 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT) at Chekwatit village in Kawowo area, police said.
Minister of Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara posted on X: “Sadly, 20 children and 1 adult, who happens to be the founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, have gone to be with the Lord.”
Police released an image showing a severely damaged bus that had overturned in the crash, and confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing. Several children and adults were taken to hospital for treatment following the accident.
A Ugandan police chief said: “We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead.
“The crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School, Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala.
“The Uganda Police Force extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School, and all those affected by this tragic incident. We also wish the injured a quick and full recovery.”
Praising the community’s response to the crash, Kapchorwa Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole said: “The response from the community has been overwhelming.
“People brought bedding, offered transport and joined rescue efforts without hesitation. This is a strong sign of humanity and solidarity during a very difficult moment.”
Earlier this week, a student and a teacher lost their lives when a bus carrying learners collided with a train in Mukono District.
In a separate incident this month, police reported that another 14 people were killed in a head-on crash involving a bus and a trailer along the Kampala-Gulu Highway, highlighting a series of deadly road accidents across the country.
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