The Uganda Police Force confirmed on Wednesday that 63 individuals have tragically lost their lives following a horrific multi-vehicle collision on the bustling Kampala-Gulu Highway. The incident, which occurred at approximately 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) on Wednesday, involved two buses, a lorry, and a car, leading to one of the deadliest road accidents in the country's recent history.
Tragic Accident Details
According to police reports, two buses traveling in opposite directions attempted to overtake other vehicles – a lorry and a car – simultaneously, while in a desperate attempt to avoid a direct crash, one of the buses swerved, resulting in a devastating head-on and side collision. This initial impact triggered a catastrophic chain reaction, causing other vehicles to lose control and overturn. The sheer force of the crash left a scene of widespread destruction and loss of life.
Casualties and Investigation
Beyond the confirmed fatalities, numerous passengers from the involved vehicles and several others sustained injuries. All injured individuals have been promptly transported to a hospital in the western town of Kiryandongo for urgent medical attention. Authorities have swiftly launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances leading to this tragic event and to identify any underlying factors, while the Kampala-Gulu Highway, connecting the capital in the south to the northern city of Gulu, is known for its high traffic volume, making such incidents particularly concerning.
Police Warning
In the wake of the disaster, the Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning. To motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution and to refrain from "dangerous and careless overtaking. " They emphasized that such reckless maneuvers remain a primary cause of road crashes across the nation. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of adhering to road safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.
