Many passengers suffered injuries on a recent Friday afternoon when a Kakise bus, en route from Mbale to Soroti District, fell into Kachumbala Bridge. The incident reportedly occurred because the bus was carried off the road by swift floodwaters resulting from a heavy downpour.
Mr Epidu George, the Officer in Charge of Amus police post, confirmed the incident. It took place at Nyakoi village in Kwarikwar sub-county, Bukedea District. According to Mr Epidu, the passengers incurred minor injuries, but thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
Mr Epidu also mentioned that the exact number of passengers aboard the bus at the time of the incident was yet to be determined. However, all passengers had been evacuated and transferred to another bus for their journey.
He further noted that recovery efforts were underway to get the bus back on the road. This incident was unusual for the area, which is typically devoid of significant water bodies or major bridges.
An eyewitness, Mr Tom Okello, reported that the fully occupied bus became lodged in a deep roadside trench. This occurred after passengers managed to make their escape through a window.
Mr Okello also noted that there had been heavy rainfall since morning. The water, which rushed down from the hills, crossed the road rapidly.
A survivor of the incident recounted the horrifying moments leading up to the crash. The bus driver had attempted to follow a trailer that had just navigated the flooded area. However, the force of the water was too great, causing the bus to be swept off the road. Half of the bus submerged, and the passengers clung to the remaining half until help arrived.
