Report says the death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in Kigogwa, located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the Ugandan capital, has risen to 24, following a series of similar disasters in recent years linked to individuals attempting to steal fuel from accident sites.
A statement by the Communications Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga on Sunday, confirmed that the devastating incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in 11 fatalities at the scene. An additional 13 victims have since died in Kiruddu Hospital and Bombo Military Hospital. Due to the severity of the burns, police are working diligently to identify the deceased through DNA testing.
The “devastating accident” on Tuesday in the town of Kigogwa, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Kampala, resulted in “11 reported dead at the scene”, said Communications Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga in a statement
He added that “13 more have since died in Kiruddu hospital and Bombo military hospital bringing the number to 24”.
“Since some of the dead were burnt beyond recognition, the police have been working tirelessly hard to identify the deceased through DNA testing,” he said.
The tanker was on a journey from Kampala to Gulu, approximately 650 kilometers (403 miles) away, when it overturned and burst into flames. The driver remains at large, raising concerns about accountability and safety standards regarding fuel transportation.
This tragedy follows a similar disaster in northern Nigeria on October 15, where a fuel tanker explosion resulted in the deaths of more than 170 people. The frequency of such incidents in Uganda has alarmed officials and communities alike.
Historically, Uganda has faced numerous catastrophic fuel-related accidents. In August 2019, a fuel truck collided with other vehicles in Kyambura, killing 19 people. In 2002, an oil truck rammed into a bus in Rutoto, leading to the deaths of 70 individuals. A 2013 explosion in Kampala claimed 33 lives after a fuel truck overturned.
In a related incident over the weekend, two tankers overturned on a road linking Uganda and Rwanda. One of the tankers collided with a commercial truck, resulting in the deaths of both the driver and his assistant, while the second tanker caught fire without causing additional casualties.
These incidents have sparked urgent discussions about road safety, infrastructure, and the desperate measures some individuals resort to in impoverished communities. As the nation grapples with the fallout from these disasters, calls for improved safety regulations in fuel transportation continue to grow.
