A fuel truck lost control and exploded into flames near Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 10 people, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred on a highway in Kigogwa, approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the capital.
“The current death toll from the fuel explosion stands at 10, with several others injured,” reported Charles Lwanga, the resident district commissioner for the area.
He explained that the truck had failed to brake, leading to the catastrophic incident.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as bystanders rushed to siphon fuel from the overturned truck, which ultimately ignited, causing the devastating fire.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Many of those affected suffered from severe burns and other injuries.
Lwanga noted that the situation could have been much worse, as firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it reached a nearby petrol station, preventing further disaster.
The local community is now grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, which echoes a similar incident in August 2019.
In that case, a fuel truck collided with several vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda, resulting in 19 fatalities.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of Tuesday’s explosion, questions have arisen about road safety and the handling of fuel transport in the region.
Local officials are urging residents to remain cautious and report any unsafe practices regarding fuel transportation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel transport and the critical importance of road safety measures in preventing such tragedies in the future.
The community mourns the loss of life while hoping for a swift recovery for those injured in this devastating event.
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