Police in Busoga Sub-region, Eastern Uganda, are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 15 individuals in two separate crashes that occurred on the same road within hours of each other.
The first crash took place on the Iganga-Jinja road in Mayuge District on a Friday night at 11:45 pm. This incident claimed the lives of four people at the scene, with five others succumbing to their injuries in the hospital they were rushed to for treatment. Additionally, six individuals were left seriously injured and were hospitalized.
The second crash resulted in the deaths of six people, including a baby.
The first crash involved a taxi with registration number UBE 939H and occurred at Musita trading centre along the Iganga-Jinja road. Busoga East police spokesperson, Ms. Diana Nandawula, stated that the speeding taxi, traveling from the Kampala side, collided with a stationary truck with registration number RS 603 Q that had experienced mechanical issues. Four people lost their lives at the scene, while the other five passed away at Iganga-Nakavule hospital, where they were receiving treatment. Two of the deceased individuals were identified as Rechael Mirembe, the eastern coordinator for NIC insurance company, and her assistant, Fida Nangobi. The remaining five victims were men, and reckless driving was cited as the cause of the crash.
The second crash on the same road in Iganga involved three vehicles: a Toyota Hiace with registration number UAV 659L, an Isuzu Tipper with registration number UBH 032W, and a Toyota Sienta with registration number UBJ 679Y.
This accident occurred at 3 pm on Saturday at Namasoga along the Jinja-Iganga highway. It was initiated when the Isuzu Tipper, carrying sand, experienced a tire burst, crossed into the right lane, and collided head-on with the taxi from Jinja. Subsequently, the Toyota Sienta rammed into the Tipper from the rear. Police reported that six critically injured individuals from the crash died while being transported to the hospital. The other victims have been admitted to various medical facilities, and all bodies have been transported to the Iganga hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations. The vehicles involved have been towed to CPS Iganga, and the investigation is ongoing, according to Ms. Nandawula.