A tragic road accident on Monday, 25th November 2024, at 6:00 PM has left one person dead and eight others injured in Terego District, West Nile.

The incident occurred along the Owafa-Arua-Yumbe Road when a black Fuso Fighter motor vehicle, registration number UBA 895X, lost control and overturned while descending the notoriously steep Tooth Can Loss Hill. Preliminary investigations by police attribute the accident to brake failure.

The deceased, identified as 60-year-old Jane Oniru, a resident of Bileafa in Terego District, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has since been taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The eight critically injured passengers are currently receiving medical treatment at various healthcare facilities in the region. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Officers from the Terego District Police, including the District Police Commander and the Officer in Charge of Traffic, visited the accident scene for documentation. The vehicle remains at the site awaiting recovery by breakdown services and further inspection by the Inspectorate of Vehicles.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, Collins Asea, confirmed the incident, stating:

“A black Fuso Fighter motor vehicle, registration number UBA 895X, lost control while descending Tooth Can Loss Hill in Terego District due to suspected brake failure. The vehicle overturned, resulting in the unfortunate loss of one life and injuries to eight other passengers.”

Asea also revealed that efforts are underway to locate the driver, who fled the scene and remains at large. Police have opened a case of Fatal Road Traffic Accident under reference number TGO TAR 42/2024.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the public has been assured of timely updates as new information emerges.

This tragic accident comes in the wake of a September 2024 traffic report by the Uganda Police, which highlighted the alarming toll of road accidents in the country.

The report revealed that approximately 70 lives were lost to road accidents in the last week of September alone.

The police continue to urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly on steep and treacherous roads, to prevent such devastating incidents.