UPDATE: 46 DEAD IN MULTI-VEHICLE PILEUP ON KAMPALA-GULU HIGHWAY

The wreckage of one of the accident vehicles
 
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At least 46 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a catastrophic road accident that occurred at 12:15 am this morning, at Kitaleba Village near Asili Farm along the Kampala-Gulu Highway.

The crash involved four vehicles: an Isuzu bus (UBF 614X) operated by Nile Star Coaches, a Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07), a Tata lorry (UBK 647C), and another Isuzu bus (UAM 045V) belonging to Planet Company. Michael Kananura, the spokesperson of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said, “The driver of UBF 614X Isuzu bus, traveling from Kampala towards Gulu, attempted to overtake the Tata Lorry (UBK 647C) at the aforementioned location.” 

He added, “Simultaneously, the Isuzu bus (UAM 045V), traveling from the opposite direction, was also attempting to overtake the Toyota Surf (CGO 5132AB 07). In the process, both buses met head-on during the overtaking maneuvers.”

“One of the drivers swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, but this resulted in a head-on and side collision, causing a chain reaction that led to other vehicles losing control and overturning several times,” Michael  Kananura explained. 

The crash claimed 46 lives, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were promptly transported to Kiryandongo Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, while the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem and identification. 

Kananura urged, “We strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.” He also extended condolences, saying, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”