At least 20 children and one adult tragically lost their lives when a school bus collided with a rock on a dangerous road in eastern Uganda. The incident occurred as the group was returning from a school excursion to Sipi Falls waterfalls, a popular tourist destination.
Reports indicate that the driver lost control of the bus due to a suspected mechanical failure around 8 pm local time on Thursday, according to the Uganda Police Force. The bus then careened off Chekwatit Hill in Kawowo, a location known for previous serious accidents.
Survivors, including three adults and multiple children, were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, although the exact number of injuries was not immediately disclosed by authorities. The bus was transporting students from King David Junior School, an elementary school located in Ndejje, and witnesses captured footage of the severely damaged bus with locals assisting the injured children.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased individuals were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary for identification and postmortem examinations. The Uganda Police Force expressed condolences to the affected families, the school management, and all those impacted by the tragic event, while also wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
Minister of Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, lamented the loss of 20 children and the school founder and director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, during a visit to the scene. An investigation into the crash is currently ongoing.
Chekwatit Hill has a history of being a dangerous spot for accidents in Uganda, with numerous fatal incidents occurring along that road over the years. This particular event stands out as one of the deadliest road accidents involving children in the country in recent memory.