The death toll from Thursday’s school bus crash in Kapchorwa district has risen to 21 after two more pupils succumbed to their injuries at Kapchorwa General Hospital.The victims were pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, who were returning from a study tour when their school bus, registration number UA 108BQ, reportedly developed a mechanical fault and crashed along the steep Chekwatit hill, one of the country’s known accident black spots.Kapchorwa district health officer Dr Siraji Masai said two more victims of the crash died at around 4:30 a.m. while receiving treatment, bringing the confirmed death toll to 21.According to Masai, 19 critically injured victims have since been referred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment, while dozens of others remain admitted at Kapchorwa General Hospital and nearby health facilities.Those whose identities have so far been confirmed include the school’s director, Tadeo Ssekade, as well as Amal Draxler G., Kiyimba M., Mustwala Eyem, Nyang Sunday, Ihanga, Ocholu and Joshua G.Police said 11 other bodies had not yet been formally identified by Friday morning. According to police, more than 70 people sustained injuries in the crash and were taken to Kapchorwa General Hospital, Kaserem Health Centre IV and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kapchorwa General Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations and identification by relatives. Police have also maintained security at the crash scene as investigations into the cause of the accident continue.The Chekwatit Hill crash is among the deadliest road accidents involving schoolchildren in the Sebei sub-region in recent years. Authorities said a comprehensive report would be released once investigations are completed and all the victims have been accounted for.Kapchorwa Resident District Commissioner Stanley Bayole praised residents for their swift response, saying community members provided transport, bedding and manpower during the rescue operation.“The response from the community has been overwhelming. People brought bedding, offered transport and joined rescue efforts without hesitation. This is a strong sign of humanity and solidarity during a very difficult moment,” Bayole said.Health officials said medical teams and volunteers have been working around the clock to attend to the injured and support affected families.Authorities are also continuing efforts to identify all the deceased and notify their next of kin.The post Kapchorwa school bus crash death toll rises to 21 appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.