Kabale, (UG):- At least one person was confirmed dead, and another critically injured in a devastating fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday along the Mbarara-Kabale Highway in Kyanamira sub-county, Kabale District.
The Nissan semi-trailer fuel tanker was travelling from Kampala to Kabale town when it rolled down at Kyanamira corner and burst into flames.
Mr Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for Kigezi Policing Region identified the deceased as Rogers Onyango, 20, a Kenyan national, who did not manage to escape from the burning vehicle.
“Unfortunately, the turn man was burnt to ashes, but the driver sustained injuries and is currently admitted at Kabale referral hospital for treatment,” he said.
His remains have been taken to Kabale Hospital mortuary for postmortem. Police are working to liaise with Kenyan authorities and the victims’ families.
He added that the Kenyan driver, Geoffrey Onyango, 34, had managed to escape the vehicle but suffered severe burns while attempting to flee. He was rushed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition.
“Our police fire brigade responded swiftly and controlled the fire before it did more damage to the neighbourhood,” he said, adding that the incident put traffic at a standstill for about three hours.
This incident comes just days after another fuel tanker caught fire in Kigogwa town, about 22 kilometres from Kampala City, claiming at least 15 lives.
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