By Kabuye Ronald
Tragedy struck the quiet stretch of the Ntungamo-Rukungiri Road early this morning, as a routine journey turned into a scene of horror and despair. At 0610hrs, along the winding road at Kakiika in Ntungamo District, two vehicles met their fate in a catastrophic collision, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Motor vehicle UBN 337H, a Toyota Hiace, was on its journey from Rukungiri to Ntungamo when fate intervened in the form of a sudden tyre puncture. Forced to halt, the driver maneuvered to the right-hand side of the road, partially occupying the tarmac as he endeavored to rectify the issue, his vehicle illuminated by its full lights in the early morning darkness.
Meanwhile, a bus belonging to the Kasaaba Bus Company, registration UAP 385U, was hurtling down the same road from Kampala, bound for Rukungiri. In a tragic twist of events, the driver lost control of the bus, veering off its designated path and careening headlong into the stationary Toyota Hiace.
The collision was catastrophic, resulting in the instantaneous loss of six precious lives. Among the victims were the driver of the Toyota Hiace, the turn man, and a valiant police officer from Nsangi Police Station. Three others were grievously injured, their lives forever altered by the unexpected turn of events.
Swift response from the traffic police saw the injured transported to Devine Health & Ntungamo Specialist Medical Centres for urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased were respectfully conveyed to Rwashameire Health Centre IV for post-mortem examination.
As the sun rose over the somber scene, the shattered remnants of the vehicles were towed to Ntungamo Central Police, where inquiries into the tragic incident would soon commence. Amidst the grief and chaos, SP Kananura Michael, CLO Traffic & Road Safety, stood resolute, his heart heavy with the weight of yet another road tragedy that could have been prevented.
