By Robert Segawa
Three people have been confirmed dead and two others injured following a fatal road crash that occurred last evening in Kabwohe Town, Sheema District.
Preliminary investigations indicate that vehicle registration number UA 234DK, an Isuzu box-body truck, was travelling from Bushenyi towards Mbarara when the driver lost control at Kabwohe.
The truck knocked and killed two pedestrians before colliding with seven motor vehicles and one motorcycle that were parked along the road. It eventually came to a stop against a building.
According to Michael Kananura, the Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson, three people have so far been confirmed dead, including the driver of the truck.
Kananura said the truck was loaded with palm oil and is currently resting on a Toyota Premio, where additional victims are suspected to be trapped.
The vehicles involved in the crash include UAV 834R, a Toyota Raum; UA 538EG, a Toyota Sienta; UBN 195Y, a Toyota Wish; UAP 900L, a Range Rover; UA 601DG, a Toyota Sienta; UAZ 141M, a Toyota Premio; and UFA 859M, a UG Boss. The vehicles were parked along the road before the truck crashed into them and came to rest against the building.
The two injured persons were rushed to Kabwohe Health Centre IV, where they are receiving medical attention. The bodies of the deceased were also conveyed to the facility’s mortuary for postmortem as investigations into the crash continue.
Kananura attributed the crash to excessive speed and reckless driving by the truck driver.
Efforts are underway to remove the truck using an excavator to enable police and other emergency responders to access the Toyota Premio and establish whether there are any additional casualties.
“We urge motorists to always reduce speed when approaching busy places,” Kananura warned.
He said excessive speed reduces the time available for a driver to perceive hazards, react and bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
