A tragic road crash in Bugiri District has claimed ten lives after a Kampala-bound taxi crashed into a stationary trailer early Wednesday morning.
The accident happened at around 7:00 am in Busowa Town Council along the Busia Highway. The Toyota Hiace, registration UBN 817H, was carrying 13 passengers when it collided with a trailer parked by the roadside, police said.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the deadly crash was triggered by a reckless overtaking attempt.
“The driver of the Toyota Hiace tried to overtake an unidentified vehicle, but another vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction. In an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, he swerved left, lost control and hit a stationary trailer,” Rusoke said.
He confirmed that all ten victims, including the taxi driver, died instantly, while three survivors were rushed to hospital in critical condition.
“Our team responded promptly, transferring the injured for treatment and conveying the bodies of the deceased to the mortuary,” he noted.
Rusoke said investigations have already begun to establish further circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police spokesperson condemned the increasing trend of dangerous road behaviour.
“We urge all motorists to desist from reckless actions such as speeding and unsafe overtaking, which continue to cause avoidable loss of life. Drivers must prioritise safety at all times,” he warned.