A school van carrying pupils to Mahehe Friends Academy overturned on Saturday morning, January 31, 2026, in Endarasha, Nyeri County, injuring at least 19 people and triggering a large rescue operation.

The crash happened along Charity Road in Kieni West when the vehicle veered off the road and rolled into a ditch. The van was transporting children to school at the time of the accident.

Emergency teams rushed to the scene shortly after the incident. The Kenya Red Cross deployed response units and worked alongside county ambulances and other rescuers to free those trapped in the wreckage and provide first aid.

“A road traffic incident involving a school bus that veered off the road and overturned has been reported in Endarasha, Nyeri County. Response teams have been deployed. More to follow,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a post on X soon after the crash.

Rescuers pulled injured pupils from the damaged van and rushed them to hospital. Nineteen people with injuries were taken to Nyeri County Referral Hospital, where doctors and nurses continue to treat them.

In a later update, the Red Cross confirmed the number of patients received by the hospital and said rescue work was still ongoing.

“Update: Nineteen people with injuries have been taken to Nyeri County Referral Hospital for treatment. Rescue operations are ongoing to reach those still trapped,” the organisation said.

Authorities coordinate rescue efforts

Authorities said they were coordinating the response to ensure the injured receive treatment and families get accurate information. County officials sent additional ambulances to support the evacuation, while police secured the area to allow rescuers to work.

Road accidents involving school transport remain a major concern in Kenya, especially in rural areas. Parents and teachers often worry about poor road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and overloading.

Recent incidents have added to those fears. Just weeks ago, another school bus overturned in Kimende along the Nairobi–Naivasha highway while students were travelling back to school. In response, the National Transport and Safety Authority urged drivers to take extra care around school vehicles and warned that reckless driving puts children’s lives at risk.

Authorities have repeated calls for stricter enforcement of safety rules for school transport, including regular inspections and proper driver training.