A devastating road accident in Kawowo Sub-county, Kapchorwa District, Uganda, has left 20 pupils and one adult dead after a school bus overturned while returning from an educational tour.

The crash involved an Isuzu bus registration number UA 108BQ belonging to King David Junior School in Ndejje, Makindye Division, Kampala.

Survivors rushed to hospital

Several survivors from the accident, whose identities had not yet been established, were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The injured pupils were taken to Kaserem Health Centre IV, Kapchorwa General Hospital and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital as emergency teams responded to the tragedy.

Bus overturned while returning from Sipi Falls trip

Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus had transported pupils on an educational tour to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District.

Police said that while returning from the trip, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road, hit a large stone by the roadside and overturn.

Investigators have launched a probe to establish the exact cause of the crash, including whether mechanical failure, road conditions or human error contributed to the accident.

Uganda suspends school trips

Following the deadly crash, the Ugandan government announced the immediate suspension of all school trips and educational tours across the country.

Authorities said the suspension would allow a review of safety measures surrounding school transport and educational excursions as investigations into the Kapchorwa accident continue.