By Robert Segawa
Two reckless drivers are now the subject of a manhunt by traffic police following a deadly crash this morning on the Jinja-Iganga Highway in Mayuge District. The tragic accident claimed the lives of seven people, including four who died instantly at the scene.
The collision occurred when a speeding taxi, registered UBP 140B, attempted to overtake another vehicle and crashed head-on into a Fuso Fighter truck, UAX 761B. According to Police Spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, Superintendent Michael Kananura, the taxi was driving recklessly when it collided with the truck.
“Four people died on the spot, while three others, who were critically injured, succumbed to their injuries on arrival at Iganga Referral Hospital,” said Kananura.
He expressed concern over the growing incidents of reckless driving, particularly the dangerous overtaking maneuvers in unsafe areas. “We continue to warn drivers against such careless behavior, which puts lives at risk,” Kananura added.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Iganga Referral Hospital for postmortem, while the injured are receiving treatment. Both vehicles involved in the accident have been impounded for further inspection.
In a related operation, over 1,500 motorists were arrested last week in a crackdown aimed at curbing reckless driving ahead of the festive season. The arrests included 490 drivers of vehicles in dangerous mechanical condition, 940 motorcycle riders without driving licenses, and 117 drivers apprehended during snap checkpoint operations.
Superintendent Kananura confirmed that the ongoing operations are yielding positive results, emphasizing their importance in maintaining road safety, especially as traffic volumes surge during the holiday season. “We will continue our efforts to ensure sanity on the roads and hold offenders accountable,” he said.
