National Day of Remembrance: Honoring the Lives Lost in the Karatu School Bus Tragedy
“We Still Remember” — Reflecting on the Karatu Bus Disaster, Eight Years Later
It has been eight years since one of the most heartbreaking moments in Tanzania’s recent history—the devastating school bus accident in Karatu that claimed the lives of 32 students, along with two teachers and the driver. The loss sent shockwaves through the nation, uniting families, communities, and leaders in collective grief.
Today, the pain remains, though softened by time. Flowers are still placed at memorial sites, and the names of those lost are gently spoken in schools and homes. The tragedy continues to resonate in the hearts of those who remember that fateful day.
Three young students who survived the crash against all odds became living testaments to resilience and hope. Their recovery inspired an outpouring of compassion, not just from Tanzania, but from around the world.
As the country marks another year since the accident, citizens pause to reflect—not only on the loss, but on the enduring power of remembrance, unity, and the importance of protecting every child’s future.