Manafwa, Uganda: Police in Manafwa District have launched a manhunt for a taxi driver who fled the scene after a Toyota Hiace taxi reportedly lost brakes and overturned at Kufu Township, killing two passengers and injuring four others.
The fatal crash occurred at around 10:20am on Friday along the Manafwa-Lwakhakha Road when a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UA 169BX, was descending the notorious Kufu Slope from Lwakhakha towards Manafwa.
According to Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika, the vehicle allegedly suffered brake failure before veering off the road and overturning.
Taitika said two passengers died instantly at the scene and were identified as Nelima Barbra, 38, a support staff member at Bugobero Health Centre IV from Butiru Town Council, and Walyaula Rogers Patrick, 72, a resident of Khabutoola in Manafwa District.
Four other passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to Bubulo Health Centre IV for medical treatment.
Police identified the injured as Samson Muyende, 54, from Bugobero; Nangoka Silivia, 48, a nurse at Bugobero Health Centre IV; Welishe Remushia, 70, from Busumbu; and Mukimba Teresa, 38, a porter at Bugobero from Mayenze Ward.
“The driver is at large and our teams are tracking him. He will be arrested and charged accordingly,” SP Taitika said.
Police said the driver abandoned the wrecked vehicle and fled into nearby bushes immediately after the crash.
Traffic officers and investigators visited and documented the scene before towing the damaged taxi to Manafwa Central Police Station pending further inspection.
The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the mortuary as investigations continue to establish the exact cause of the accident.
The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about road safety along Kufu Slope, a section of the Manafwa-Lwakhakha Road that residents say has been the scene of several serious accidents over the years.
Police have urged motorists to regularly inspect and service their vehicles, particularly braking systems, before travelling on steep and mountainous roads.
Authorities have also appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the driver to report to Manafwa Central Police Station or the nearest police post.
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