MPIGI.
Two pupils have been confirmed dead and 11 others injured after a bus they were traveling in overturned at Kagavu Village ,Zigoti along Kampala-Mityana-Mubende highway .
The Sunday morning crash happened at 5:30am and involved a bus Registration Number UAP829U belonging to HMK Transporters Ltd.
The ill-fated bus was transporting pupils, tour guides & the Head teacher of Day Star Primary School in Makindye, Kampala .
They were returning from a school tour in Kasese District .
According to eye witnesses, upon reaching Kagavu, the bus driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the bus to overturn.
“The crash instantly claimed the lives of 02 pupils, while 11 others who included 04 tour guides & the Head teacher sustained injuries.
This incident serves as a stern reminder to all school administrators: safety & well-being of pupils must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
Children cannot make decisions for themselves, it is the responsibility of schools to ensure all necessary precautions are taken when planning such trips,” the traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura ,said
He advised all school heads to avoid making return journeys after long-distance school tours.
“Overnight rest should be planned to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
They should also inspect & verify the mechanical condition of all hired vehicles,” Mr Kananura said adding “:Ensure that drivers are professionally qualified, hold valid licenses & are sober, with no traces of alcohol before driving.The lives of our children are too precious to be left to chance.”