At least 20 pupils from King David Nursery and Primary School in Ndejje have been confirmed dead following a fatal road crash in Kapchorwa district as they returned from an educational tour.
The accident occurred at Chekwatit village in Kawowo sub-county, where a school bus transporting the pupils reportedly lost control, veered off the road and overturned.
The fatalities were confirmed by the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, which said the crash also claimed the life of an adult male.
“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 in Ndejje,” said traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura.
He added that the identity of the driver had not yet been established by press time.
Several survivors sustained injuries and were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the pupils had travelled to Sipi Falls for an educational tour and were on their return journey when the accident happened.
Kananura said the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, which then struck a large stone along the roadside before overturning.
He noted that three adult males and several juveniles were injured in the crash, although the exact number of survivors was still being verified.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa mortuary pending identification and postmortem examinations.
Police said investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing and more details will be provided as inquiries continue.
