At least 21 people, including 20 pupils and one adult, have been confirmed dead following a tragic road crash involving a King David Junior School bus in Kapchorwa District.
The fatal accident occurred on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, as the school bus was returning from an educational tour to the popular Sipi Falls.
According to Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the victims were travelling aboard an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala.
“We wish to confirm that, following the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, a total of 21 people, comprising 20 pupils and one adult, have so far been confirmed dead,” Kananura said in a statement.
He added that several survivors, whose identities had not yet been established, were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Kananura said preliminary investigations indicate that the pupils had been on an educational tour to Sipi Falls before the tragedy struck on their return journey.
“While returning from the tour, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned,” he said.
Police said the crash claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult male, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary pending identification by relatives and postmortem examinations.
The driver of the bus had not been identified by the time the statement was issued.
Police have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the crash.
Kananura said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
“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,” he said.
