At least 32 people have been confirmed dead in Uganda and five others seriously injured after a grisly accident involving five vehicles on Tuesday night.
DailyMonitor reports that the 9pm accident occurred at Kihogo along Hima–Rugendabara road, according to eye witness accounts. The section of the highway is still under re-construction.
Ms Irene Nakasita, the Uganda Red Cross Society Public Relations Officer, said 32 bodies were recovered and five survivors referred to Kilembe Hospital in Kasese District in western Uganda.
“Our emergency response team working with Uganda Police and UPDF led by Major Charles Nzei has managed the incident,” she added in a message released to Ugandan journalists on Wednesday morning.
According to available information, a speeding truck transporting a coffin collided with another car before the drivers of the other cars lost control and rammed into the stationery accident vehicles.
“There was a big truck with a coffin and people on top, while a lorry full of people followed closely behind. When the car with a coffin hit another car, the lorry behind it also rammed into it causing another accident,” an eyewitness told reporters.
He added, in a short interval, other two vehicles came and also rammed into the wreckage of the first accident cars.
By press time, the Rwenzori East regional traffic commander, Mr Mathius Okwir said detectives were investigating the actual cause of the accident and would provide details later.
Bodies of the victims and the injured were taken to Kilembe Mines Hospital.
