Over 40 people dead after multi-vehicle crash on Kampala–Gulu highway in Uganda
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the same hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.
The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the death of 46 people in a fatal road crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning along the Kampala–Gulu highway.
The crash, which also left several others injured, occurred when a bus attempting to overtake a lorry collided head-on with another bus approaching from the opposite direction at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm.
Police said the crash involved four motor vehicles: UBF 614X Isuzu bus (Nile Star Coaches), CGO 5132AB 07 Toyota Surf, UBK 647C Tata lorry, and UAM 045V Isuzu bus (Planet Company).
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According to initial investigations, the driver of the UBF 614X Isuzu bus, travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata lorry (UBK 647C).
“Simultaneously, the Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), travelling from the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07). In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking manoeuvres,” the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety PRO, SP Michael Kananura, said.
“One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times. As a result, 63 people lost their lives, all occupants of the involved vehicles, while several others sustained injuries,” he added.
The injured have since been taken to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.
The bodies of the deceased have been transported to the same hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.
“As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, particularly avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country,” the police urged.
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