KAMPALA, Uganda — The toll of a tragic school bus accident in eastern Uganda has risen to 24 lives lost, with 23 children and one adult among the casualties, as reported by police.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when the bus, transporting students and teachers from King David Junior School in Kampala, overturned near Chekwatit village in Kapchorwa district following a collision with a large stone. Investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal accident.
The Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports has responded by ordering a temporary halt to all school trips across the nation to facilitate a thorough inquiry into recent crashes involving schoolchildren.
The government has also taken steps to ensure the safe return of students to their schools, with police providing escorts. Uganda, which has one of the worst road safety records globally, faces challenges related to poorly maintained vehicles and roads, as well as excessive speed.
The incident has drawn national attention to the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
The King David Junior School has announced a two — week closure to allow for mourning and healing.
The school’s management is working closely with security agencies and health officials to identify the victims and account for any survivors.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: AFP and AP
