On Tuesday, a devastating bus accident in northern Rwanda claimed the lives of 16 people, according to local traffic police. The incident occurred in Rulindo District, on the road from Kigali to Musanze-Rubavu.
The bus, carrying approximately 52 passengers, was en route to Gisenyi in Rubavu District from Kigali when the accident took place at around 1:20 pm. Mukanyirigira Judith, the Mayor of Rulindo, stated that the bus crashed in the Rusinga Sector of Rulindo District after rolling downhill.
Police, army, local authorities, and emergency services immediately responded to the scene to rescue the passengers. Tragically, 16 people were pronounced dead at the site of the accident, while others sustained serious injuries. The injured were rushed to the CHUK hospital in Kigali, as it was the nearest medical facility.
According to the police spokesman, SP Boniface Rutikanga, the preliminary investigation suggests that the accident was caused by the bus rolling downhill. He emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to speed limits to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
“It’s a very unfortunate incident because the road is okay according to my observation, it must be the first time such an accident has taken place on the road,” said SP Rutinga. He urged all drivers, especially those transporting passengers, to prioritize safety and take responsibility for the lives in their care.
