Two pupils killed in school bus accident in Embu

Two pupils from Tumaini Emmanuel Academy lost their lives on Friday morning after their school bus veered off the road and plunged into a ditch in Kibugu, Embu County, during a routine morning pick-up round.

The deceased, a seven-year-old boy and a three-and-a-half-year-old girl—both PP2 learners—were among 15 children on board at the time of the accident. Several other pupils sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the bus lost control under unclear circumstances, veered off the road, and overturned into a ditch. Local residents responded quickly, rescuing the injured children and notifying emergency services.

Misheck Nderi, director of Tumaini Emmanuel Academy, said the morning had begun as usual, with the school van collecting pupils. He explained that the driver suddenly lost control, leading to the crash that claimed one life at the scene, with the second pupil being pronounced dead in the hospital.

Following the incident, the school was closed for the day to allow pupils and staff time to recover from the trauma.

The injured were taken to Kibugu Health Centre and Kings Care Hospital. According to clinician Salome Wakio of Kings Care, one pupil was pronounced dead on arrival, likely due to internal bleeding and delays in accessing treatment. Another child with injuries was stabilised.

Of the 15 pupils involved, five were referred to Embu Level 5 Hospital with serious injuries, while eight were treated and discharged. A parent who rushed to help at the scene suffered a fractured hand during the rescue efforts.

Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.