Police authorities in Ssezibwa have officially confirmed the tragic loss of two individuals following a harrowing accident that unfolded along the bustling Jinja-Kampala highway yesterday.
Reports indicate that the driver of a heavily laden box body truck, identified by its registration number UBH 059F and traveling from the direction of Kampala, collided with multiple commuter vehicles, resulting in numerous casualties.
The incident transpired at Kaganda, situated within Njeru municipality, along the aforementioned highway stretch.
Tragically, one individual succumbed to their injuries on the scene and was subsequently transported to the mortuary at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, while another victim passed away during treatment at Jinja Hospital.
Deus Niyobyose, the head of emergency response at the Red Cross in Jinja city, revealed that several casualties sustained severe injuries. In response, emergency services mobilized, deploying two ambulances and receiving invaluable assistance from private citizens to aid in the rescue efforts.
Niyobyose further informed that the 26 casualties received urgent medical attention at Jinja Hospital and St. Francis Healthcare Services. Thankfully, all individuals are now reported to be in stable condition, showing signs of steady recovery.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Hellen Butoto, spokesperson for the Ssezibwa regional police, attributed the accident to excessive speeding. She emphasized that the commuter vehicles involved had attempted to overtake a slow-moving truck at a narrow section of the highway, near a precarious valley, resulting in the catastrophic collision.
Butoto revealed that law enforcement teams are diligently working to identify the deceased individuals. They are meticulously examining available documentation and reaching out to families and relatives to ensure comprehensive support and care throughout the healing process.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Kato Kairu, a motorcycle rider identified by the registration number UFA 381J, lost his life after colliding with a drainage system in the Kagoma C area along the Jinja-Kamuli highway.
The deceased has been transported to Buwenge Health Center IV mortuary to undergo a postmortem examination.
The community mourns these losses and underscores the importance of road safety measures to prevent further tragedies on our highways.
