Five people have been confirmed dead and six others injured following a road crash along the Masaka–Kyotera highway. The crash occurred at around 11:00 am at Botero Trading Centre on Wednesday morning. According to Southern Region Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye, the accident involved a speeding Hino truck registration number T813DYP/T251ZH and a taxi commonly referred to as a “drone” registration number UBH 378W.
Kasirye said the taxi had parked on the roadside at Botero Trading Centre to offload passengers when it was hit by the truck, which was reportedly coming from the same direction. “When it reached Botero Trading Centre, it parked on the sides to offload passengers. But all of a sudden, another trailer came from the same direction and rammed into this taxi, ending up killing five people and injuring six,” he said.
He identified the deceased as three female adults and two males. One of the victims has been identified as 28-year-old Vega Marks, while another is a 60-year-old woman identified as Janati. He explained that the bodies were taken to Kalisizo Referral Hospital for post-mortem. Kasirye said the injured, who include five men and one woman, were rushed to different health facilities, including Kalisizo Referral Hospital and Masaka Hospital for treatment.
Police said the driver of the truck has been arrested to assist with investigations, while both vehicles have been impounded for inspection. “The cause of the accident is still under inquiry, though it is alleged that the driver of the truck was overspeeding and driving recklessly,” Kasirye said. Police have condemned reckless driving, warning motorists to observe road safety regulations to prevent similar fatal crashes-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
