63 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in a road fatal crash that occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday at Kitaleba Village, near Asili Farm, along the Kampala-Gulu Highway.
According to statement released the Directorate of traffic and road safety PRO SP kananura Michael, the accident that occurred at 12:15 am involved four motor vehicles; UBF 614X, Isuzu bus (Nile Star Coaches), CGO 5132AB 07 Toyota surf, UBK 647C Tata Lorry &UAM 045V, Isuzu bus (Planet Company).
Kananura said initial investigations revealed that the driver of UBF 614X Isuzu bus, travelling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) at at Kitaleba Village.
“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” hr said.
He added, “One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid 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 lives, all occupants from involved vehicles and several others sustained injuries”.
Kananura noted that he Police arrived at the scene promptly and transported the injured to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.
“As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country” he said.
The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the same hospital mortuary for post-mortem and identification.
