(Kampala) – Eleven individuals, including two minors, have tragically lost their lives following a fuel tanker explosion in Kigogwa town, Wakiso district, on October 22, 2024.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the grim details, stating that the victims were “burnt beyond recognition.” The incident occurred when the fuel tanker, identified as UAM 292Q, overturned and burst into flames while traveling from Kampala towards Gulu.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that many victims rushed to siphon fuel from the overturned tanker, making them particularly vulnerable to the ensuing blaze. The fire spread rapidly, impacting four nearby buildings that housed nine shops, leading to significant property damage.
Injured individuals were quickly transported to local health facilities for medical attention, with Kiruddu Referral Hospital in Kampala among the primary locations receiving victims. Police have initiated a fact-finding mission to ascertain the total number of injured and confirm their identities.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as the fire raged. Video footage circulating on social media captured thick black smoke billowing into the sky while onlookers expressed their shock and distress at the unfolding tragedy. One woman was heard exclaiming in horror as she witnessed the flames consuming a victim.
Local leaders also provided insights into the incident. Joseph Ssenkumba, the LC1 chairperson of the area, recounted that the tanker driver managed to escape moments before the explosion. He explained that the spilled fuel drew nearby residents, who attempted to collect the liquid using containers. Tragically, a woman who was roasting maize nearby succumbed to severe burns when fuel ignited near her charcoal stove.
Moses Kkonde, a local councillor, shared that he received frantic calls about the fire while he was in Kampala. He quickly returned to the scene, where reports of looting began to surface as frightened shop owners fled. Security personnel were deployed to prevent looting and maintain order as the fire engulfed around 15 nearby houses.
The fire department responded promptly to the emergency, and it took approximately three hours to fully extinguish the flames. The cause of the tanker accident remains under investigation, and traffic along the Kampala-Bombo Road was significantly affected due to the incident.
Onyango stated, “This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials.” Authorities are committed to providing further details as the investigation continues.
