10 dead, 13 injured in Masaka-Mbarara road crash 

At least 10 people died Wednesday evening following a road crash along Masaka - Mbarara highway, police said. 
The 7:30pm crash happened at Kaganda towards Kyojja swamp in Kinoni, Lwengo District, according to traffic police spokesperson, Ms Faridah Nampiima.

“It is alleged that motor vehicle registration number RAF 168S/RL 1426 Mercedes Benz Actros trailer from Masaka heading to Mbarara side had a rear tyre burst, [and the driver] lost control and crossed over to the lane of oncoming vehicles and rammed into motor vehicle Reg. No. UBJ 084N Toyota Hiace and UAP 126A Mark II Grand, from opposite direction travelling to Masaka, killing nine people on spot,” she said.

The 14  injured persons were rushed to Masaka regional referral hospital, with one in critical condition, according to ASP Nampiima.

“Our fire and rescue services personnel at the scene removing the stuck bodies. Details of the deceased persons and the injured will be shared in due course. Our condolences to the family of the deceased persons and wish a quick recovery to the injured,” Ms Nampiima said, minutes after Red Cross said their ambulance teams had evacuated the injured to hospital.

However, authorities at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital on Thursday confirmed the death of one of the victims that had been referred to the facility in critical condition.

“One of the victims died shortly after arrival at the emergency ward. She was a lady in her mid-30s. We received 14 victims, among which were 9 male and 5 female,” Dr Muhammad Nsubuga the Acting head of accident and emergency ward at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital said.

Some of the accident victims have been identified as Kembabazi Babirye, Darlington Mwesigye (48), Nauni Robert (35), Rina Akankunda (17), Alex Ahimbisibwe (36), Enzo Mugume (02), Edgar Mugume (34), Winnie Nabajju (33), Isma Adam (40), Eva Tukunsave (40),  Christopher Mutumba (29) and Enoch Katambuka 53.

Eyewitnesses accounts
Mr Deogratius Ssali, a resident of Kyoko village in Kkingo Sub County said he rushed to the accident scene shortly and witnessed the carnage while struggling to help some of the victims to get out of the accident wreckage.

“The road corner in this particular area is very long and poorly made. I believe that the road contractors did not do the required work for this road section. This partly explains the many accidents in this particular area,” he said.

Ms Judith Nantongo, a mother whose four family members got involved in the accident that claimed the life of one of them reveals that her children and husband had travelled to Bushenyi on Boxing day over family issues and were on their way back home at Bukunda.

“My son had just finished the senior four exams and was on vacation waiting for the results. It is sad that we have lost him in this terrible accident," she said.

The Regional traffic officer Mr Richard Komaketch on Thursday said that most accidents in the region are a result of human error, asking the road users to take care.

“Even pedestrians cause accidents if they move carelessly. In this particular accident, the details of the cause will be released soon. What we have is a preliminary investigation report,” he said.