By Robert Segawa
Police in Bugiri District have launched an investigation into a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of ten people and left three others with serious injuries.
The crash occurred on Tuesday morning at Busawo Town Council along the Busia Highway. It involved a Toyota Hiace omnibus, registration number UBN 817H, and a stationary trailer, registration number UA 647BA/UA 430AA.
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the Toyota Hiace attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle, but was met by an oncoming vehicle. In an effort to avoid a head-on collision, the driver swerved to the left, lost control, and rammed into the stationary trailer.
According to Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate, the impact killed ten people on the spot—including the driver—and left three others critically injured.
He confirmed that all the victims were occupants of the Toyota omnibus, which was heading toward Iganga.
The traffic police team, with the help of local residents, responded quickly to the scene, rushing the injured to hospital and transporting the bodies of the deceased to the hospital mortuary. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Kananura attributed the crash to human error and issued a strong warning to motorists.
“We urge all motorists to desist from reckless road behaviour, including speeding and unsafe overtaking, which continue to be major causes of crashes on our roads. Drivers are reminded to exercise maximum caution and prioritise safety at all times,” Kananura said.
