15 people perish in two accidents along Jinja-Iganga Highway

Two separate accidents have left a total of 15 people dead and several others injured. The first incident involved the collision between M/V Reg. No UBE 939H, a Toyota Hiace, and a Trailer Reg. No RAC 603Q/RL, a Benz Actross, which occurred at approximately 11:45 p.m. at Musiti along Jinja-Iganga Road. This accident resulted in the loss of nine lives.

According to SP Kananura Michael, the PRO-Traffic, the incident was a result of the speeding driver of M/V Reg. No UBE 939H, which collided with a stationary trailer from the rear. The trailer had broken down along the highway due to a mechanical fault and had not placed any emergency warning signs or reflectors to alert other road users.

Kananura says that four people lost their lives at the scene, while five others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The deceased include a 5-month-old baby girl, three women, and five men, all of whom were passengers in the taxi, including the driver. Their bodies were transported to Iganga Hospital for postmortem examinations, while six other injured individuals were rushed to the same hospital for medical treatment. Both vehicles involved in the accident were towed to Maga Maga police station for inspection.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the causes of the accident were the stationary trailer without proper warning signs or reflectors and the speeding taxi driver. Kananura issued a warning to all drivers to adhere to prescribed speed limits. He further stressed that all vehicles transporting goods must carry emergency warning signs and reflectors and use them in the event of a breakdown.

The second accident occurred at Namasoga along the Jinja-Iganga highway, claiming the lives of six individuals. According to SSP Diana Nandawula, the R/PRO Busoga East, the accident involved three vehicles: a Toyota Hiace with reg no. UAV 659L, an Isuzu Tipper with reg no. UBH 032W, and a Toyota Sienta with reg no. UBJ 679Y.

The accident happened at 1500 hrs at Namasoga when the Isuzu Tipper, which was carrying sand, experienced a tire burst and veered into the right-side lane, leading to a head-on collision with a taxi from Jinja. The Toyota Sienta subsequently rammed into the rear of the Tipper.

Unfortunately, six people sustained critical injuries and lost their lives while on the way to the hospital, including two children, two female adults, and two male adults. The other injured victims have been admitted to various medical centers.

All the deceased have been transported to the mortuary at Iganga Hospital for postmortem examinations, and the vehicles involved have been towed to CPS Iganga. Investigations to determine the root causes of the accident are currently underway. The identities of the deceased are also yet to be revealed.