20 pupils killed in bus crash while returning from school tour in eastern Uganda

20 pupils killed in bus crash while returning from school tour in eastern Uganda

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Death toll rises to 24 in Ugandan school bus crash, 23 admitted

Mary Wambui

 · 

7 hours agoRead nextOpens a fresh page.

The pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, were returning from a study tour on Thursday night when the bus they were travelling in reportedly developed a mechanical fault at around 8:00 pm.

The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the death of 20 pupils and an adult following a road crash yesterday evening at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District.
The pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, were returning from a study tour on Thursday night when the bus they were travelling in reportedly developed a mechanical fault at around 8:00 pm. The driver is said to have lost control before the vehicle crashed.
“We wish to confirm that 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 driver has not yet been identified,” Michael Kananura of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety said.

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The police added that several survivors, whose identities are yet to be established, were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the school bus had taken pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District. 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. The crash claimed the lives of one adult male and 20 pupils, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries,” he added.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary pending identification and postmortem examinations.

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Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.
“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,” the UPF added.

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