Jinja, (UG):- At least seven people were Thursday confirmed dead and several others currently nursing critical injuries after a taxi in which they were travelling lost control and rammed into a stationary sugarcane truck along Jinja-Iganga highway in the wee hours of the day’s morning.
Eyewitnesses say the fatal road crash, which happened in the wee hours of Thursday morning occurred within the Kakira sugarcane plantation when the taxi travelling from Mbale to Kampala hit the loaded sugarcane truck, which had broken down due to mechanical issues.
The accident, according to Kiira Region police spokesperson, Mr James Mubi claimed six people on the post and the seventh person died upon reaching Jinja Regional Referral Hospital where the victims were rushed for treatment.
“Yes, we collected six bodies from the scene, and another person who was among the eight injured died at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital,” Mr Mubi said.
Mr Mubi attributed the crash to improper use of the road, citing the lack of warning signs indicating the stationary truck ahead. He warned drivers of vehicles with mechanical issues to take necessary precautions, stating that an operation to crack down on such vehicles is imminent.
“This is a sad reminder of the importance of road safety,” Mubi said. “We urge all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.”
One of the survivors, Mr Emanuel Kisibo, a resident of Namisindwa district, recounted the horrific incident, which occurred at 4 am. “There was speeding on the driver’s part,” Kisibo said. “I was sitting in the back seat, which saved my life. Those in the front seats were the most affected.”
A local resident, Mr Joseph Okello blamed the narrowness of the road in Kakira for the frequent accidents in the area. “Motorists drive recklessly, especially at night, leading to these tragic incidents,” he said.
The wreckage of the taxi was taken to Kakira police station, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to Jinja Hospital mortuary. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
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