21 Killed as Bus Carrying Mourners Overturns in Kisumu

• Aug 08, 2025

Twenty-one people have died after a school bus carrying mourners overturned at a known accident blackspot in Kisumu County. The tragic crash occurred as the vehicle, which was travelling from Nyahera to Nyakach, attempted to negotiate a corner at the Coptic blackspot.

According to reports, the bus was ferrying mourners returning from a funeral when the driver lost control while making the turn. The location, known locally as a dangerous stretch, has been the site of multiple accidents in the past. The impact of the rollover left many passengers trapped inside the bus, with emergency responders and residents rushing to the scene to assist.

Witnesses say the vehicle appeared to be moving at a high speed before it lost balance and overturned. Survivors were quickly transported to nearby health facilities for treatment, while the bodies of those who died were taken to local mortuaries. The exact number of injured persons has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the road’s sharp bend, combined with possible overspeeding, may have contributed to the tragedy. Police have urged drivers, especially on rural and hilly roads, to exercise extra caution and avoid speeding.

Local leaders have expressed their condolences to the affected families, with many calling for urgent measures to address recurrent accidents at the Coptic blackspot. Suggestions include installing proper road signage, speed bumps, and improving road design to prevent future rollovers.

The accident has once again raised concerns over road safety in Kenya, particularly involving school buses and vehicles used for transporting large groups. Officials are reminding motorists that caution is especially important during funeral processions, which often involve long-distance travel on unfamiliar or dangerous roads.

As families in Nyahera and Nyakach mourn the loss of their loved ones, authorities are pledging to work towards solutions that could help reduce such deadly incidents. This tragedy adds to the growing list of fatal road crashes in the region, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and safer driving practices.