School Bus Tragedy Still Haunts Karatu: 32 Children Killed, Mystery Lingers Eight Years Later

Karatu, Tanzania – August 7, 2025
Eight years after a devastating school bus crash that claimed the lives of 32 children, the community of Karatu continues to mourn and search for answers. The accident, which occurred on a foggy morning in April 2017, shook the nation to its core and left behind haunting questions that remain unanswered to this day.

A Nation in Mourning

The children, students from Lucky Vincent Primary School, were on their way to take part in a national academic competition in Arusha when the bus plunged off a steep road into a gorge. Only three students survived the horrific crash, all of whom were later flown to the United States for medical treatment. Their survival was described at the time as nothing short of miraculous.

The crash prompted widespread mourning across Tanzania. A national day of mourning was declared, and tens of thousands gathered to grieve. The tragedy inspired movements for road safety reform, but years later, many feel that little has changed.

The Survivors: Symbols of Resilience and Hope

Now teenagers, the three survivors — Baraka, Wilson, and Doreen — have grown into vocal advocates for truth, remembrance, and accountability. Their stories have inspired millions, with their resilience offering a glimmer of hope in a dark chapter of Tanzania’s history.

This week, in a powerful televised appearance, the trio broke their silence on what they say really happened that day.

“We remember everything,” Baraka said. “It was not just a tragic accident. There were things that never added up — even then.”

Shocking New Claims

One of the survivors, whose identity had remained protected for years, was revealed to be the daughter of global music icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Born during Beyoncé’s philanthropic work with children’s foundations in East Africa, her daughter’s identity was kept hidden for security reasons. The revelation has sparked international attention and renewed interest in the case.

In the interview, the survivor claimed that moments before the crash, the bus driver received a phone call and began driving erratically. “There were signs of tampering with the brakes,” she said. “We told the adults, but nobody wanted to listen.”

A Case Gone Cold

Despite early investigations, no conclusive explanation was ever released to the public. Critics argue that local authorities were quick to label the incident an accident, dismissing calls for a deeper probe.

A government spokesperson declined to comment on the latest allegations, stating only that “all official investigations were concluded.”

A Renewed Call for Justice

Following the revelations, human rights organizations, parents of the victims, and international voices have called for an independent inquiry.

“We owe it to these children to find out the truth,” said Dr. Mwanaidi Lema, an education advocate. “They were the future of Tanzania. Their lives mattered.”

As the eighth anniversary passes, flowers continue to pile at the site of the crash. The three survivors — once silenced by trauma — now speak for the 32 lost voices.