At least 21 people, including 20 pupils and one adult, have been confirmed dead following a devastating road crash involving a school bus returning from an educational tour in Kapchorwa District.
The fatal accident happened on Thursday evening at Chekwatit Village in Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county, according to the Uganda Police Force.
Police spokesperson Michael Kananura said the crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UA 108BQ, belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala. The identity of the driver had not been established by the time of the latest police update.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the pupils had travelled to Sipi Falls for an educational excursion. While the bus was returning from the tour, the driver is reported to have lost control of the vehicle.
The bus veered off the road, rammed into a large roadside rock and overturned, causing catastrophic casualties.
Police said the crash claimed the lives of 20 pupils and one adult male, while three adult males and several juveniles survived with injuries.
The injured were rushed to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Authorities are still working to establish the identities of the survivors.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kapchorwa Mortuary, where postmortem examinations and formal identification by relatives are expected to take place.
Investigators have launched inquiries to determine the exact cause of the crash, with police saying more information will be released as investigations progress.
The Uganda Police Force extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the management of King David Junior School and everyone affected by the tragedy, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
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