According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred after a speeding Mbarara-bound bus overtook a trailer Reg. No. T433BDY/T877DWZ which was travelling from Kampala and in the process, the driver of the trailer lost control and rammed into an oncoming commuter taxi registration number UBC 995C.
“The crash occurred during an early morning downpour which frustrated our efforts to save the victims, some have been rushed to hospital in critical condition and it will be a miracle to survive,” Mr Sam Kizito, a resident of Kasijagirwa Village told this journalist.
Kizito said the bus did not stop and he did not record its registration number plate. Most of the victims were occupants of the commuter taxi which had 15 people aboard.
Hours later, Uganda Red Cross tweeted saying 14 people had died.
“Great thanks to Kampala Traffic and Uganda Red Cross Cross teams that have responded to a road traffic accident at Masaka – Kyabakuza road this morning involving commuter taxi and trailer. 14 dead and accorded dignified handling, referrals (number not confirmed),” read the statement on Red Cross Twitter handle.
However, southern region traffic police commander, ASP Godfrey Mwesigye said 14 people had been confirmed dead.
The regional police spokesperson, Mr Muhammad Nsubuga said their rescue operations were underway to help the victims most of whom were not found with identification documents.
“The deceased include the driver of the commuter taxi. We are yet to get details of the other victims because they don’t have identification documents,” he said.
He said some victims who sustained fractured legs and arms are admitted to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. He blamed the accident on reckless driving
Statement on Masaka Road accident.
Fourteen people have been confirmed dead in the morning fatal accident on Masaka – Mbarara highway after a head on collision involving a commuter taxi and a trailer.
The accident happened at 7am.
A Tanzanian trailer registration number TH77 BVW / T433 BDY Mercedes Benz collided with a Toyota HiAce registration number UBE 995C that was coming from Sembabule-Matete to Kampala. The trailer driver was overtaking on the wrong side of the road.
14 people died on spot that included 5 females, 2 male juveniles and 7 male adults.
Only one person has been identified as Galambe Francis, 36 year, a resident of Buyoga village Kayunga Matete Sub County, Sembabule District.
Efforts to identify the 13 victims is underway since none had any identification documents on them.
The bodies of the victims have been conveyed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for Post mortem examination.
The wreckage of the vehicles have been taken to Masaka Central Police Station pending inspection by the Inspectorate of vehicles
We urge all road users to take cognizant of existing road safety measures.
Asp Muhammad Nsubuga
G. Masaka Regional PRO
