20 people die in Kapchorwa bus accident

Police Tuesday confirmed the death of 20 people after a mini bus they were travelling in overturned several times on the Kapchorwa- Mbale road in Kapchorwa District.

The accident occurred at Towei Hill in Kapsimdua Sub-county, a black spot on the highway, after the driver of the bus Reg. No.UG 2233E lost control on Tuesday evening at about 6: 20 pm.

 The minibus belonging to Kiryadongo Technical Institute was carrying staff members of the National Co-operative Business League of the United States of America based in the districts of Masindi and Kiryandongo.

The team was heading to Mbale town from Sipi Falls, where they had gone for a tour.

Sipi Region Police Spokesman, Mr Rogers Taitika said the driver lost control of the van due to brake failure, forcing the vehicle to overturn several times downhill.

 “The bus was carrying 25 staff of Kiryadango Technical Institute. Twenty people are dead,” he said.

He said the victims had gone to visit and tour the magnificent Sipi Falls after their three-day workshop at Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale town.

 Mr Taitika said the critically-injured passengers have been taken to Kapchorwa Hospital and Muyembe Health Centre 1V.

The bodies, according to Taitika, have been taken to Kapchorwa Hospital and Bulambuli Hospital mortuaries.

Mr Taitika said they are still investigating the cause of the accident adding that the accident scene is one of the dark spots on the road.

 “We have not yet identified the victims but I think we will do so tomorrow,” he said.

 Last year, PC Micheal Gona, a driver attached to Police Flying Squad, died in an accident at the same spot.