Eight Years After the Karatu School Bus Disaster: “We Still Remember”
Eight years have passed since the Karatu school bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 32 children, two teachers, and a driver—one of Tanzania’s darkest days. On May 6, 2017, a bus carrying pupils from Lucky Vincent Primary School in Arusha lost control on a slippery mountain road in Karatu District, plunging into a ravine. What was meant to be a proud academic journey became a scene of heartbreaking loss.
The nation entered deep mourning as President John Magufuli declared a period of national grief. Amid sorrow, a miracle emerged: three survivors—Wilson, Sadia, and Doreen—were rescued and flown to the U.S. for treatment, becoming symbols of resilience.
Today, flowers still adorn the Karatu memorial. Tanzania remembers not just tragedy, but enduring love and hope.
