Three more schoolchildren have died from injuries suffered in a bus crash in eastern Uganda, increasing the death toll to 23 pupils and one adult, according to police.
The bus, which was carrying pupils and teachers from King David Junior School in Kampala, was returning from a trip to Sipi Falls on Thursday night when the accident happened.
Police investigators said the driver lost control of the bus at Chekwatit village in Kapchorwa district. The vehicle overturned and crashed into a large stone.
Six of the children who died have not yet been identified. The adult who died is believed to be the founder and head of the school.
Several children were taken to hospitals after the crash. Police said 23 injured pupils are still receiving treatment at Kapchorwa General Hospital.
Three other vehicles that were part of the same school trip returned safely to Kampala.
Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered a temporary suspension of all school trips across the country to allow a full investigation into recent accidents involving schoolchildren.
The police also announced plans to provide escorts to help ensure the safe return of learners to their schools.
Uganda has one of the highest road accident rates in the world, with crashes often linked to poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles and speeding.
Earlier this month, 14 people died after a bus collided with a truck in northern Uganda. In October, at least 46 people were killed in a collision involving two buses on a major highway.
