21 people were killed and 26 others were seriously injured in a grisly road accident involving a school bus at the Coptic Roundabout in the Mamboleo area of Kisumu on Friday evening.

Authorities have clarified that the vehicle was not carrying students at the time of the crash.

According to Regional Traffic Enforcement Officer Peter Maina, the bus was travelling from Kakamega towards Kisumu when the accident occurred at around 5pm.

“The driver appears to have lost control of the vehicle as it approached the Coptic Roundabout, crossed over to the opposite lane heading back to Kakamega, and plunged into a ditch,” said Maina.

Among the deceased are 10 women, 10 men, and a 10-year-old girl.

The exact purpose of the trip and the identities of those on board remain under investigation.

Five people sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment, while 15 others, including a minor, suffered minor injuries.

All the injured are admitted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.

Maina said the cause of the crash is yet to be determined and that mechanical experts will inspect the vehicle.

The tragedy has sparked fresh calls for stricter safety standards, especially regarding the use of school-owned vehicles for non-school functions.

Police have secured the scene as investigations continue.