Kampala, (UG):- The death toll from the tragic Kigoogwa fuel tanker explosion on Kampala-Bombo Road has risen to 26 after two more people succumbed to injuries at Kiruddu Hospital in Kampala.
The explosion which happened after the fuel tanker overturned before exploding into fire moments later as residents jostled to siphon fuel has now left the community soaked in tears and grief with more victims still in critical condition.
According to preliminary information from the police, it is alleged that the October 22 fire which also burnt several homes, shops and motorcycles, started from a nearby charcoal stove on which maize was being roasted.
“The death toll from the Kigoogwa fire has risen to 28 after two more victims died at Kirudu Hospital. Their remains have been released to their families for burial,” said Police spokesperson, Mr Kituuma Rusoke while giving an update on the Infernal on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the search for the driver of the tanker that fell is still on as his whereabouts are still unknown.
In a related development, the Government promised Shs5 million to the families of the deceased to help in burial arrangements and Shs1 million to the persons receiving treatment.
This is not the first incident where a fuel tanker has exploded after falling in Uganda, with previous incidents coming on February 14, 2004, where 42 two people died and several were injured after three vehicles, including a commuter taxi, were involved in a collision at Lwankima in Mabira Forest on the Kampala-link road.
Also, on June 30, 2013, a fuel tanker was hit by a car causing spillage and thereafter the fuel tanker exploded in Namungoona, a Kampala suburb. At least 42 people were burnt to death.
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