Uganda Police have confirmed that 11 people, including nine adults and two children, lost their lives in a tragic accident involving a fuel tank in Kigoogwa Town along the Kampala-Gulu highway.
The incident occurred around 3:00 PM when a fuel tank with registration number UAM 292Q overturned and caught fire.
According to Patrick Onyango, the spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, the victims were burned beyond recognition, with many affected being individuals who rushed to siphon fuel from the overturned tank. “Unfortunately, the people who rushed to siphon fuel from the tank were the most affected,” Onyango stated.
The blaze not only claimed lives but also caused significant damage, destroying four buildings that housed nine shops, leading to substantial losses in merchandise valued in millions of shillings. Additionally, numerous residents sustained injuries and were transported to various health facilities, including Matugga Town and Kawempe Hospital, for treatment of severe fire burns.
Police are currently working to confirm the identities of the deceased and the number of injured, as many remain under treatment. The remains of the deceased have been transferred to the city mortuary in Kampala.
Onyango also reported that the police have contained the fire and cleared the highway, allowing traffic to resume. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tank accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials.”
This incident is not isolated; in August, a similar accident in Rukungiri District resulted in one fatality and two injuries when a fuel tank overturned and caught fire. The repeated occurrences highlight ongoing safety concerns regarding fuel transportation in the region.
