10 dead, 32 injured as taxi overturns in Rubanda
The ill-fated taxi parked at Rubanda police station after it was recovered from the crash scene on Rubanda-Kabale road where 10 people died and 34 others injured on November 29, 2024. PHOTO/ ALEX AHUMUZA
What you need to know:
- Particulars of the deceased and the inured are yet to be established.
- Uganda Traffic Police statistics reveal more than 20,000 road crashes annually, with 5,000 fatalities. Many survivors are left permanently disabled.
At least 10 people are confirmed dead and 32 others critically injured after a Toyota Hiace taxi they were travelling in overturned on Rubanda-Kabale road on Friday night.
“It’s alleged that the driver failed to brake, hence failure to negotiate a sharp corner and fell approximately 100m off road,” the Kigezi region police Spokesman, Elly Maate said on Saturday morning following the 10pm crash.
Residents gathered at the crash scene on Rubanda-Kabale road
The ill-fated taxi, registration number UBK 037K, is suspected to have been carrying Congolese nationals (escapees) to Rwamiwaja refugee camp in Kamwenge district, according to Mr Maate.
Particulars of the deceased and the inured are yet to be established.
The injured were taken to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred to the hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Kabale Regional Referral Hospital director, Dr Philibert Nyeko said the deceased are five children and five adults.
"Last night we were informed that there was a road crash somewhere in Rubanda District and Causalities were being brought to the Regional Hospital. They brought eight dead bodies to the mortuary and while the injured were being transported, one died on the way making it the ninth. Another one died in the hospital upon arrival. The deceased are five adults and five children.
In our accident and emergency wards are 32 people, six of whom are very young children without identification. One was taken to the theatre for operation. This morning we mobilized our imaging team to further examine our patients," Dr Nyeko said.
The development comes on the heels of reports that Uganda faces an alarming rate of road crashes, resulting in severe injuries and disabilities for survivors.
Many victims struggle to access care or support, leaving them financially and emotionally drained.
Uganda Traffic Police statistics reveal more than 20,000 road crashes annually, with 5,000 fatalities. Many survivors are left permanently disabled.
The WHO Africa Region road safety report highlights an alarming road safety situation in Africa, with a fatality rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Since 2010, fatalities have risen by 17 percent, from 192,682 to 225,482 deaths.
