MANAFWA, (UG): At least one pupil has been confirmed dead, and 117 others seriously injured after a truck they were travelling on board overturned at Kufu bridge in Manafwa district on Tuesday night.
The 10 pm fatal accident involved a Tata Lorry Reg No UBJ 994J which was ferrying the pupils from music, dance, and dance competitions from Nakhupa Primary School in Manafwa district.
“A single fatal accident was registered yesterday, August 8th, 2023, at 10:00 pm at Kufu along the Manafwa-Mbale Road in Manafwa District, involving a vehicle with registration number UBJ 994J, a Tata Lorry owned by Bukusu Corporative Enterprise Ltd,” the Traffic Public Relations Officer, Mr Michael Kananura said in a Wednesday morning statement.
“It is alleged that the driver of the Tata Lorry, identified as Mr Godmas Mamai was transporting students from Nakhupa Primary School, while travelling at high speed, the vehicle lost control at Kufu bridge along the Manafwa-Mbale Road and overturned,” he added.
Mr Kananura identified the deceased as a 16-year-old pupil male juvenile, Naminayi Thomas who died on the spot from the tragic incident, adding that the other pupils (117) who sustained injuries are currently admitted at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital receiving medical treatment.
The deceased’s body has also been taken to the same hospital for postmortem examination
Subsequently, the lorry involved in the accident has been towed away to Manafwa Police Station pending a thorough inspection, although the driver is currently on the run.
Preliminary findings pointed to reckless speeding from the driver which might have been the primary cause of the accident, according to the Traffic Police PRO.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that trucks are not designed to transport passengers. Such accidents highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations and guidelines,” Kananura advised.
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