Ten people were killed and three others injured in a crash on the Iganga–Bugiri (Busia) highway in Busowa Town Council, Bugiri District, on Wednesday morning. Police say the collision happened at about 7:00 a.m. and involved a Toyota Hiace commuter taxi and a stationary trailer.
Preliminary statements from traffic officers indicate the taxi reported as registration UBN 817H, was travelling from Malaba towards Kampala when its driver attempted to overtake an unidentified vehicle. The taxi is said to have swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, lost control and struck a parked HOWO trailer, whose registrations are reported as UA 647BA. Police opened an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Police and emergency teams who responded to the scene say the impact killed ten people on the spot. Three survivors were taken to Bugiri Main Hospital for treatment; their conditions were described as serious in early reports. The bodies of those killed were transferred to the hospital mortuary pending identification and post-mortem procedures.
Traffic and regional police spokespeople named in different statements as SP Michael Kananura of the Traffic and Road Safety Directorate and ASP Micheal Kasadha of Busoga East, have both been quoted in coverage of the incident. Authorities say the matter remains under active inquiry and that the wreckage has been impounded for inspection.
Police urged motorists to exercise caution and to avoid risky behaviour such as speeding and unsafe overtaking, which they say continue to be leading contributors to fatal road crashes in the region. Investigators will complete a detailed forensic examination and issue a fuller report when enquiries conclude.
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