While police had not officially confirmed the number of casualties by press time, reports from the scene indicate that more than 20 pupils are feared dead, while several others sustained serious injuries.
A school bus transporting pupils of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje, was involved in a fatal road crash in Kapchorwa District on Thursday night, with unconfirmed reports indicating that more than 20 pupils may have lost their lives.
According to Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the crash occurred at around 8:00 p.m. at Chekwatit Village, Kimawa Parish, Kawowo Sub-county in Kapchorwa District.
The bus, registration number UA 108BQ, was carrying pupils when it was involved in the crash.
Police said emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene, where rescue operations were still ongoing by press time.
“The Uganda Police Force confirms that police in Kapchorwa have this evening registered a fatal road traffic crash involving a school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, transporting pupils of Kings David Junior School, Ndejje,” Kananura said in a statement.
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While police had not officially confirmed the number of casualties by press time, reports from the scene indicate that more than 20 pupils are feared dead, while several others sustained serious injuries.
Kananura said police were still working to establish the exact number of fatalities and injuries.
“Police and other emergency responders are at the scene carrying out rescue operations and establishing the number of casualties and injured persons. At this stage, the exact number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been confirmed,” he said.
Police added that further details, including the cause of the crash and the identities of the victims, will be released after rescue operations are completed and preliminary investigations are concluded.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of school transport in Uganda, coming just days after another school bus was involved in a collision with a train in Mukono District. Authorities continue to urge school operators and motorists to strictly observe road safety regulations to protect the lives of learners.
