A devastating road accident claimed the lives of 19 people and left 13 others injured last night when a Fuso lorry overturned near Hillside Secondary School in Kigorobya along the Hoima – Buliisa Road.
According to preliminary police reports, the single-vehicle crash occurred at around 11:00 PM when a Fuso Fighter truck with registration number UBB 639W reportedly failed to climb a slope and veered off the road before overturning.
The victims were mainly businessmen and women returning from the Buliisa auction market, a popular trading hub in the Albertine region.
Police Investigations Underway
The Hoima territorial police swiftly responded to the scene. By press time, the truck was still at the crash site pending recovery, while the bodies of the deceased had been transported to Hoima City Mortuary for postmortem. The identities of the victims are yet to be officially confirmed.
“We are doing everything possible to identify and support the affected families,” said SP Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson. He urged residents of Hoima and surrounding areas to check on their relatives, especially those who frequently travel to the Buliisa Market.
Call for Safer Transport Practices
In light of the tragedy, authorities have issued a stern warning to Fuso lorry drivers, advising them to avoid transporting both passengers and cargo in the same vehicle.
“This heartbreaking incident could have been avoided. We call upon all drivers to prioritize passenger safety at all times,” added SP Hakiza.
Appeal to the Public
A public notice released earlier today urges all families with loved ones who were en route from Buliisa on the night of August 6 to verify their safety immediately. Local leaders and emergency response teams are on the ground coordinating assistance for the victims and their families.
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