National MourningđSchool bus accident: 32 children lost⌠See more
REPUBLISHED: âWe Still Rememberâ â 8 Years Since the Karatu School Bus Tragedy That Claimed 32 Young Lives
It has been eight years since the nation of Tanzania was struck by one of its most devastating tragediesâthe Karatu school bus accident that claimed the lives of 32 children, two teachers, and a bus driver. The memory of that fateful morning on May 6, 2017, still haunts the country, a day that plunged the nation into sorrow and marked a permanent chapter of mourning in Tanzaniaâs history.
The students from Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha were on their way to sit for a mock national examinationâa proud moment in their young academic journeys. But that promise was tragically cut short when the school bus lost control on a rain-slicked road in the mountainous Karatu district. The vehicle veered off the road and tumbled into a ravine. Rescue efforts revealed a scene of unimaginable loss.
News of the accident spread swiftly across the country. National television, radio, and newspapers suspended regular programming to cover the unfolding tragedy. President John Magufuli declared a period of national mourning, and Tanzanians across the country held vigils, ceremonies, and prayers in solidarity with the grieving families.
At least 51 people killed in Guatemala bus crash
At least 51 people have died and others have been injured when a bus plunged into a polluted ravine outside Guatemala City, according to Guatemalan officials.
Mynor Ruano, a spokesman for the cityâs fire service, told reporters on Monday that efforts were under way âto save other people who are trappedâ in the wreckage. The bodies of 36 men and 15 women have been sent to a provincial morgue.
The bus was moving on a busy route in and out of Guatemalaâs capital on Monday when it fell from Puente Belice, a highway bridge that crosses over a road and creek.
Footage shared by the fire department on social media showed rescue workers pulling victims out of the contaminated ravine. Images showed the bus upside down.
Bernardo Arevalo, the president of Guatemala, declared three days of national mourning and deployed the army and disaster agency to help with response efforts.
âI stand in solidarity with the families of the victims who today woke up to heartbreaking news,â he said. âTheir pain is my pain.â
The President of Guatemalaâs Congress also released a statement on social media lamenting the âtragic accidentâ where âmore than four dozen Guatemalans lost their lives in search of daily sustenanceâ.
Guatemala City Mayor Ricardo Quinonez said on social media that emergency services had been deployed while traffic police worked on establishing alternate routes in the affected area.
The National Civil Police said that they were supporting search and rescue efforts and would give âall the necessary supportâ.