By Robert Sgawa
Police in Nwoya District have taken into custody Abugo Mandella Kadin, the driver of a Nile Star Coach bus (registration number UBP 736U), following a fatal road crash that claimed seven lives and left sixteen others injured.
The accident occurred shortly after midnight at Lapok Mor Village. Preliminary findings indicate that the bus, traveling at high speed from Arua, attempted to overtake multiple vehicles ahead. In the process, it collided head-on with an oncoming trailer (registration number SSD 040A/SSD 498C), a Benz Actros.
According to Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for traffic and road safety, four passengers died instantly at the scene, while three others were pronounced dead upon arrival at Anak Hospital, bringing the death toll to seven.
Kananura added that sixteen survivors are currently receiving treatment at Anak Hospital.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver had been operating the bus recklessly throughout the journey. Passengers allegedly raised concerns, but the conductor responded rudely instead of addressing the situation.
“We urge the public to make use of toll-free lines, WhatsApp numbers, and social media platforms to report reckless behavior on our roads,” Kananura said.
