A devastating road accident in Kisumu on Friday evening has claimed the lives of at least 21 people after a bus owned by AIC Naki High School overturned at the Coptic Roundabout. Authorities confirmed that the victims included 10 women, 10 men, and a 10-year-old girl.
The crash occurred at around 5 p.m. as the bus, travelling from Kakamega towards Kisumu, approached the busy roundabout. According to Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina, preliminary reports indicate the driver may have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer into the opposite lane heading back towards Kakamega before plunging into a roadside ditch.
Maina clarified that the bus was not ferrying students at the time of the incident. The exact purpose of the journey remains unclear, and investigations are underway to establish why the school-owned vehicle was being used and who the passengers were.
Five people sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). Another 15 individuals, including a minor, were treated for minor injuries. Hospital staff have been working round the clock to manage the influx of casualties.
The tragic accident has reignited concerns over the use of school-owned vehicles for non-school activities. Road safety advocates and education stakeholders have called for tighter regulations, routine mechanical inspections, and clearer policies on who can hire or use such vehicles.
“This is a painful reminder that safety protocols must be strictly enforced, especially when dealing with large passenger vehicles,” said a Kisumu-based transport safety expert.
Police have cordoned off the crash site and mechanical experts are set to examine the bus to determine whether brake failure, steering issues, or other defects contributed to the tragedy. Authorities are also interviewing survivors and witnesses to piece together the events leading to the fatal crash.
As families begin the painful process of identifying and mourning their loved ones, the Kisumu County Government has pledged support for the victims and their relatives. The investigation’s findings are expected to guide policy changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Friday’s tragedy stands as one of Kisumu’s deadliest road accidents in recent years, casting a somber mood over the lakeside city.
