Police in Manafwa district have registered a fatal accident involving a Tata lorry transporting pupils of Nakhupa primary school from a music festival in Mbale to Manafwa district, with one dead and 117 critically injured.
SP Kananura Michael, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Traffic & Road Safety, states in a police statement released on August 9, 2023, that at around 10:00 p.m., an accident happened at Kufu along the Manafwa-Mbale Road in Manafwa District involving a Tata Lorry number plate UBJ 994J driven by Godmas Mamai, owned by Bukusu Corporative Enterprise Ltd.
“It is alleged that Mamai, who was transporting Nakhupa Primary School, was travelling at a very high speed when he lost control along Kufu Road and overturned. This incident claimed the life of a 16-year-old male pupil, identified as Thomas Naminayi on the spot, and 117 who sustained serious injuries,” SP Kananura said.
He added that the injured pupils were rushed to Mbale regional referral hospital for medical attention, and the deceased’s body has been taken to the same hospital for postmortem examination.
According to local authorities, the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol, which ultimately led to the accident.
“The vehicle has been towed to Manafwa Police Station pending a thorough inspection, but regrettably, the driver is currently on the run,” SP Kananura stated.
Police remind everyone that trucks are not designated to transport passengers, and such accidents highlight the importance of adhering to road safety regulations and guidelines.
