One pupil dead, several injured in school bus accident

Parents and guardians of Babugi Nursery and Primary School are grieving. A tragic accident on Thursday morning took the life of a young pupil. Many others were injured in the incident.

The accident happened on Bugombwa Hill. The school bus, registration number UAQ 319Q, was transporting pupils from Nyahuka to school. It veered off the road and overturned.

Traffic Officer Benon Nampala reported that the bus carried 32 pupils at the time. Jessica Natukunda, a baby class pupil, died while being taken to the hospital. She was the daughter of Jackson Tumwebaze.

Nampala stated that preliminary investigations suggest mechanical failure caused the crash. He urged drivers to check their vehicles before driving. Investigations are ongoing regarding the brake failure.

Injured pupils were taken to Bundibugyo Main Hospital, Busaru Health Centre IV, and Nyahuka Health Centre IV. Two children in critical condition were referred to Mbarara Regional Hospital and Kilembe Hospital for advanced care.

Rwenzori West regional police spokesperson Vincent Twesige provided details about the victims. They include 10-year-old Kosoranta Joserine and 13-year-old Katusiime Immaculate. Other injured children are 8-year-old Adrian Rasu, 9-year-old Bab Iha Jesro, and 11-year-old Tusiime Christine. A teacher named Hashya Carolina, aged 28, was also hurt. Additionally, 20 other pupils aged between 3 and 12 sustained minor injuries.

SP Twesige noted that the bus driver fled the scene and is still at large. The vehicle has been towed to Bundibugyo Central Police Station for inspection.

Eyewitness Moses Ahebwa described seeing the bus pass him at high speed before it crashed. He mentioned that it seemed like the driver struggled with gears and lost control.

Attempts to contact school administration for comments were unsuccessful by publication time.