(Kasangati) – A tragic accident involving a fuel tanker occurred in Kigogwa Town along the Kampala-Bombo road on October 22, 2024, claiming the lives of 11 people and leaving several others injured. The tanker, traveling from Kampala to Gulu, overturned and caught fire, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.
At around 3:00 PM, the tanker, registered as UAM 292Q, overturned, and shortly after, a fire broke out. People who had rushed to siphon fuel from the overturned vehicle were the most affected by the explosion, with nine adults and two minors tragically losing their lives. The victims were burnt beyond recognition, complicating immediate identification.
In addition to the loss of life, the fire destroyed four buildings, which housed nine shops, causing millions of shillings worth of property damage. The injured were quickly taken to nearby health facilities, although police are still verifying the number of people affected.
A swift response was coordinated by multiple agencies, including the fire brigade, police patrol cars, ambulances, and the Uganda Red Cross. Despite their efforts, the severity of the fire led to extensive damage. Police are now conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident and confirm the total number of those injured.
The identities of the victims remain unknown as police work with health authorities to complete DNA tests for identification purposes.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around fuel tankers and other hazardous situations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
