By eastafrican gazette
On June 19, 2024, tragedy struck when a truck carrying market vendors overturned after the driver losing control.
The devastating incident occurred at approximately 1330hrs in Namilyango village, along the Mityana-Bukuya Road.
In a statement released by the Wamala region police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, the accident involved a Isuzu forward truck, with the registration number UBA 605A, silver in color.
The truck was en route from Mityana Town to Bukuya, carrying the unfortunate market vendors.
“The driver, who has not been identified, lost control of the vehicle on a slope, causing it to overturn, resulting in the death of 11 people on the spot. Others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Mityana Hospital and Bukuya Health Centre IV for treatment,” she noted.
Three more people succumbed to injuries in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities in the Kassanda accident to 14.
The deceased were identified as: Yiga Huizith, 24; Derrick Baluku, 24; Justine Nakamya, 34; Stephen Mukasa, 65; Sarah Kalonga Nakiyingi; Nakayi (female adult); Jackson Kigozi, 22; Namaweje (female), 25; Suzan Faisi (female adult); Fred (male adult); Aisha (female adult); Ronald Kabanda; Ssejansi (male adult); and William Kabyesasa.
Kawala reported that traffic officers visited the crime scene, and the bodies were transported to Mityana hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination, while the vehicle involved in the incident was towed to Kassanda Police Station for further inspection.
She said inquiries are being conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. The police continue to investigate the cause of the accident and are appealing to the drivers to avoid overloading and using vehicles meant for goods to transport passengers, as it is illegal,” she noted.