It has now been eight years since Tanzania experienced one of its most devastating tragedies—the Karatu school bus accident that claimed the lives of 32 innocent children, two beloved teachers, and the bus driver. On May 6, 2017, what started as a hopeful day for students quickly turned into a day of national sorrow, marking a painful chapter in Tanzania’s history that still resonates deeply with families and communities today.
The children, all students at Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha, were traveling to take a mock national examination—a significant event in their educational paths that promised new opportunities and growth. Unfortunately, that promise was cruelly interrupted when the school bus, navigating a narrow and rain-soaked mountain road in the Karatu district, lost control. The vehicle slipped off the road and plunged into a deep ravine, resulting in a horrific accident that left the community shattered.