KAMPALA
The death toll from Thursday’s tragic road crash involving pupils of King David Junior School has risen to 24 after three more pupils succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment.
Police said 24 people have now been confirmed dead, making the accident one of the country’s deadliest school transport tragedies in recent years.
Of the deceased, 18 bodies have been positively identified, while three unidentified bodies are at Kapchorwa Hospital. Another three bodies are at Mbale Hospital pending identification.
Meanwhile, 23 victims remain admitted at Kapchorwa Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
Police also confirmed that all surviving pupils who did not require admission were safely transported back to Kampala aboard a Gateway Bus.
The driver of the ill-fated bus has not yet been formally identified. However, investigators believe he sustained critical injuries and is among the patients receiving treatment in Mbale.
The accident occurred at Kaserem along the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road as the school bus was returning from an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District.
“Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing,” police said.
By Press time, families, of the pupils were still camping at school to receive their children and waiting to identify the bodies. Government has also set call stricter enforcement of road safety measures for vehicles transporting learners.
