Tragedy struck on Friday, August 8, when a bus ferrying mourners from a burial in Nyahera, Kisumu County, overturned at the notorious Coptic Roundabout on the Kisumu-Kakamega Road, killing at least 21 people.

Nyanza Regional Traffic Commander Peter Maina confirmed the fatalities, noting that five survivors were in critical condition while 15 others sustained injuries. The victims had been returning from a funeral when the accident occurred.

“Preliminary reports indicate the driver lost control before the bus veered off the highway and overturned,” Maina said. The mangled wreck, belonging to a local high school, was left sprawled across the roadside as shocked residents and rescue teams worked to retrieve bodies and assist the injured.

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with passengers thrown from the vehicle on impact. “It was chaos; we tried pulling people out, but many were already gone,” said one witness.

The Coptic Roundabout, located near Riat Hills, has long been considered a death trap. Its steep descent and sharp curves have been linked to frequent accidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. Locals blame poor road design, inadequate signage, and reckless driving for the persistent danger.

“This is the third major crash here this year. We have been crying for redesign and proper warnings, but nothing changes,” lamented a boda boda rider who frequents the route.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially along the treacherous slope leading to the roundabout, as investigations into the exact cause of Friday’s crash continue.