Jinja, Uganda – A devastating road accident occurred on Thursday along the Jinja-Iganga highway, claiming the lives of seven people. The fatal crash took place at around 3:30am in the Kakira sugarcane plantation.
According to Kiira Region police spokesperson, James Mubi, the taxi (UBP 574J) was traveling from Mbale to Kampala when it rammed into a stationed truck (UAF 333B), which had broken down due to mechanical issues.
Six bodies were recovered from the scene, and another person succumbed to injuries at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
“The driver was speeding, and there were no warning signs indicating the stationary truck ahead,” Mubi said, attributing the crash to reckless driving and lack of caution.
One of the survivors, Emanuel Kisibo, recounted the horrific incident “I was sitting in the back seat, which saved my life. Those in the front seats were the most affected,” Kisibo said.
The wreckage of the taxi was taken to Kakira police station, and the bodies of the deceased were transported to Jinja Hospital mortuary. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and warned drivers with mechanical issues to take necessary precautions.