At least 14 people have been confirmed dead and 28 others injured following a devastating road crash involving an Opit Travellers bus and a trailer at Bobi Trading Centre along the Kampala–Gulu Highway.
The fatal accident occurred on Tuesday night at around 9:34 p.m., according to the Uganda Police Force.
Traffic and Road Safety Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura said the crash involved an Isuzu bus, registration number UBE 110H, belonging to Opit Travellers Company, and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer, registration numbers KBS 564D/ZE 7948.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the bus driver, who was allegedly speeding, attempted to avoid a pedestrian crossing the road. In the process, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle before colliding head-on with the oncoming trailer.
“The driver of the bus allegedly attempted to avoid a pedestrian, lost control and collided head-on with the trailer,” SP Kananura said.
Police confirmed that 14 people lost their lives at the scene, while 28 others sustained injuries. The injured victims were rushed to various health facilities for medical treatment.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following the incident, police urged all motorists to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving at night and through trading centres where pedestrian traffic is common.
“We urge all motorists to strictly observe speed limits, especially during the night when visibility is reduced. Drivers should remain vigilant, anticipate pedestrian movement in trading centres and always drive at speeds that allow them to stop safely,” SP Kananura said.
The Uganda Police Force has repeatedly warned motorists against speeding, reckless driving and other dangerous driving practices, which remain among the leading causes of fatal road accidents across the country.
