A tragic accident on the Iganga-Tororo highway near Kibimba bridge has claimed the lives of 10 individuals, according to the Busoga regional police spokesperson, Diana Nanadawula. The accident involved a total of six vehicles, including heavy goods trucks.
Preliminary investigations reveal that all five motor vehicles were traveling in the same direction, while the molasses tanker with registration number KAE 254C/ZA5971 was heading in the opposite direction towards Iganga.
Eyewitness reports suggest that a taxi with the license plate UAW 963M, en route to Tororo, attempted to overtake a convoy of vehicles and suddenly noticed an oncoming vehicle. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the taxi swerved to the left, colliding with the molasses tanker.
“As a result of the impact, the rear part of the trailer struck the taxi, pushing it into another trailer with registration number KBJ 155C/ZD2621, a Benz Actros. The tanker lost control, overturned, and caught fire. Unfortunately, both drivers, eight passengers in the taxi, and the driver of the tanker lost their lives on the spot,” Nanadawula explained.
Among the deceased were two drivers of the commuter taxi, several passengers, and the tanker driver, she revealed.
The vehicles involved in the incident were identified as KBJ 156C/ZD 2621 Mercedes Benz Actros, KDY 526G/ZD4391 Mercedes Benz Axor, KDH 407T Toyota Land Cruiser, UAV 597N Toyota Hiace, UAW 963M Toyota Hiace, and KAE 254C/ZA 5971 tanker loaded with molasses.
Nanadawula also confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been transported to Bugiri Hospital mortuary. Meanwhile, the motor vehicles have been towed to Muwayo Police Station for further investigation.
The authorities have urged all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, particularly while overtaking or driving in convoy. They have also emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and awareness on the road at all times, given the potentially devastating consequences of negligence.
