By Robert Segawa
More than 50 passengers narrowly escaped death after an overspeeding bus collided with a passenger train at a railway crossing in Namumira, Mukono District, on Thursday morning.
The minor accident occurred when a Trinity Express bus, registration number RAH 629B, travelling from Nairobi to Kampala, failed to stop at the railway crossing and struck a Uganda Railway passenger train (74U32).
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the bus was being driven by Burya Erat, while the train was operated by Munyarurembo Henry. The impact damaged the rear section of the bus but, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Police attributed the incident to reckless driving and failure to observe traffic signs. Officers responded swiftly to the scene, recorded witness statements, and have launched an investigation.
Onyango confirmed that the bus, train, and their respective operators are currently at the Uganda Railways offices in Kyetume. The bus driver is cooperating with the ongoing investigations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws, especially at railway crossings. Authorities urge all drivers to exercise caution, avoid overspeeding, and respect road signage to prevent such potentially deadly accidents.
