Twenty-five lives were lost when a bus carrying mourners from a funeral overturned into a ditch along a major highway in western Kenya on Friday afternoon.

A repurposed school bus traveling from a burial in Nyahera to Nyakach crashed after veering off the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, leaving 25 people dead and 20 others injured -- five of whom remain in critical condition, as the BBC reports.

The crash occurred as the group traveled approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) between rural towns following a funeral ceremony. The vehicle, originally used as a school bus and carrying family members of the deceased, lost control before overturning into a ditch. Emergency responders called to the scene found mass casualties among the wreckage.

According to police, 21 people died at the scene -- including 10 men, 10 women, and one young girl. Another four passengers succumbed to their injuries after being transported to a hospital in nearby Kisumu County. Survivors described chaos and devastation as the passengers -- believed to all be from the same extended family -- screamed and attempted to escape the mangled bus.

Crash scene known for dangerous conditions

The incident occurred on a stretch of the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway notorious for serious accidents. Police noted that the driver appeared to lose control for reasons that remain under investigation. Weather conditions were normal at the time, raising questions about mechanical oversight or possible driver fatigue.

Kenyan authorities have not identified what caused the loss of control. As investigations are underway, the country’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) pledged its support in determining whether human error or vehicle failure contributed to the incident. No traffic citations or charges have yet been issued.

Medical staff worked around the clock to stabilize the injured. Five survivors remain in serious condition as of Sunday evening, with concerns over the availability of blood supplies prompting a swift government response. Kenya’s Ministry of Health launched an urgent national blood donation campaign and expressed condolences to the grieving families.

Government leaders call for accountability

Following the casualty reports, President William Ruto addressed the nation. In a social media statement, he called for those responsible for any “acts of negligence” to face swift legal repercussions. His remarks also addressed the larger pattern of highway tragedies in Kenya, pushing officials to crack down on traffic violations and unsafe practices among transport operators.

“We must hold accountable all those responsible and ensure that traffic violations are addressed decisively,” the post read in part. President Ruto’s message reflected a growing frustration with the country’s road safety standards and enforcement measures.

Friday’s crash adds to a week of deadly transport incidents across Kenya. Earlier in the week, six people perished in a plane crash in Nairobi, followed by another nine deaths on Thursday when a bus collided with a train in Naivasha. On Saturday, seven lives were lost in yet another road crash outside the capital.

Kenya’s worsening road safety record emerges

Statistics show a troubling surge in traffic-related deaths in Kenya. Between 2020 and 2021, the country saw a 20% increase in road fatalities. In 2021 alone, more than 4,500 people were killed and over 16,000 were injured in road incidents nationwide, placing Kenya among the countries with the highest traffic-related fatalities on the continent.

Friday’s crash has intensified calls for systemic reform. Public safety advocates are urging the government to enhance driver training, enforce stricter commercial driving regulations, and invest in transport infrastructure upgrades -- particularly on highways historically known for high accident rates.

Community members in Nyahera and Nyakach, the towns linked to Friday’s crash, are mourning multiple generations of loved ones lost in an instant. Places of worship and local officials are organizing counseling services for the grieving family and friends affected by this devastating accident.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

Tragedies like this show that road travel, particularly in areas with insufficient safety oversight, presents a serious risk. While accidents cannot always be avoided, there are steps community members can consider:

1. Vigilance when hiring transport: Ensure that drivers are properly licensed and that the vehicles used—especially those repurposed, like the school bus in this case—are in good working condition with up-to-date inspections.

2. Extra caution in high-risk zones: When traveling on rural highways or roads known for crashes, adjust speed and follow all safety protocols, including seatbelt use for all passengers, where available.

3. Demanding infrastructure reform: Citizens and local leaders should advocate for improvements in road quality, sharper law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. But even with precautions, it's crucial to remember that danger can affect anyone -- victims should never be blamed for tragedies outside their control.

Why this story matters

This story is a sobering reminder of how fragile life is on Kenya’s roads, especially for communities already burdened by grief. It places a spotlight on broader systemic issues plaguing public transport in rural areas.

By shedding light on this tragedy, we not only honor the lives lost but also push for the changes needed to protect others in the future.

From local roads to national highways, safety must become a shared priority—not only for drivers and passengers but for policymakers and enforcement agencies as well.