Iganga, Uganda: Police in Iganga District are investigating a fatal road crash that claimed the life of Tibagalika Hussein, a 42-year-old businessman and resident of Jinja City, during a heavy downpour on the afternoon along the Iganga–Jinja highway.
According to preliminary findings by the Busoga East Regional Police, the crash occurred at Namasoga Village involving two vehicles: a motor vehicle, Reg. No. UBG 042W Isuzu Forward and another, Reg. No. UBJ 381F Scania.
Busoga East Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said the Isuzu Forward, which was loaded with sand and heading from Namutumba toward Jinja, developed a mechanical fault on the rear passenger wheel, forcing the driver to stop on the roadside to make repairs.
“At around 1:20 p.m., motor vehicle UBG 042W Isuzu Forward developed a mechanical fault on the rear wheel side. The driver stopped and got under the vehicle to rectify the problem. Unfortunately, it was still on the main road and raining heavily at the time,” ASP Kasadha said in a Sunday statement.
Moments later, a Scania truck traveling in the same direction attempted to overtake the stationary Isuzu. However, another vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction, forcing the Scania driver to swerve to avoid a head-on collision.
“In the process of avoiding the other vehicle, the Scania driver struck the stationary Isuzu Forward on its side, instantly killing the driver who was still underneath,” ASP Kasadha added.
Traffic police responded swiftly to the scene, and the body of the deceased was taken to Iganga District Hospital mortuary at Nakavule for postmortem examination. Both vehicles were later towed to Iganga Police Station yard for mechanical inspection.
Police confirmed that the Scania driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene immediately after the crash. A manhunt has since been launched to apprehend him as investigations continue.
ASP Kasadha cautioned motorists against carrying out vehicle repairs along busy highways, especially during adverse weather conditions.
“We continue to urge all drivers to observe safety protocols and avoid repairing vehicles on the road. Such practices endanger both the mechanics and other road users,” he emphasized.
Police have since opened a case file of cause of death by reckless driving and mechanical negligence, pending the arrest of the fugitive driver and expert inspection of the vehicles involved.
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