A devastating multi-vehicle crash on the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Uganda has claimed the lives of at least 63 people, with many more injured in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the Uganda Police Force, the accident occurred at 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) when two buses traveling in opposite directions collided head-on while attempting to overtake other vehicles on the highway.
The crash, which involved four vehicles, was attributed to a bus that was trying to overtake another vehicle, according to Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiiza. "The bus that was trying to overtake collided head-on with another bus that was coming from a different direction," Hakiiza told the BBC. The resulting chain reaction caused several other vehicles to lose control and overturn, leading to the high number of fatalities and injuries.
The Kampala-Gulu Highway is a major transportation route in Uganda, connecting the capital city to the northern region of Gulu. The highway has been the site of several accidents in the past, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures. The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which is expected to provide more information on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The crash has raised concerns about road safety in Uganda, where the number of accidents and fatalities on the country's roads has been increasing in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road accidents are a leading cause of death in Uganda, accounting for over 10% of all deaths in the country. The WHO has called for improved road safety measures, including the enforcement of traffic laws and the use of safety equipment such as seatbelts and airbags.
The injured passengers of the vehicles involved in the crash have been taken to different hospitals in the western town of Kiryandongo. The Uganda Red Cross Society has provided assistance to the victims, including medical care and emotional support.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Uganda Police Force has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads and to follow traffic laws to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for concerted efforts to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Uganda's roads.
In related news, the Ugandan government has announced plans to improve road safety on the country's highways, including the installation of speed cameras and the enforcement of traffic laws. The government has also called for the public to report any road hazards or accidents to the authorities to help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to road safety, involving the government, the public, and other stakeholders. By working together, it is possible to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Uganda's roads and make the country's highways safer for all users.
*Reporting by Bbc.*