At least one adult and 20 children 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 outing to Sipi Falls waterfalls, a popular tourist destination, resulting in multiple injuries.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the driver of the bus lost control due to a suspected mechanical issue around 8 pm local time on Thursday. The bus veered off Chekwatit Hill in Kawowo, eastern Uganda, an area known for previous serious accidents.
Survivors, including three adults and several children, were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. The exact number of injured individuals was not immediately disclosed by authorities.
Witnesses captured videos of the severely damaged bus, which was transporting students from King David Junior School in Ndejje. Locals provided assistance to the injured children at the scene.
Minister of Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, confirmed the tragic loss of 20 children and one adult, identified as the school’s founder and director, Mr. Tadeo Ssekade, expressing sorrow for the lives lost.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is currently underway. Chekwatit Hill has a history of being a dangerous spot for accidents in Uganda, with several fatal incidents occurring over the years.
This devastating event is considered one of the deadliest road accidents involving children in the country in recent times.
