EDITOR
Tragedy struck at Nyabugando Trading Centre in Masya Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, Rukungiri district when a fatal road traffic accident claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and left five others injured.
According to police reports, the accident occurred at around 5:00 PM along the Rukungiri-Kihihi Road when a grey Toyota Corona, registration number UAV 029A, suffered a tyre burst. The vehicle, driven by Dr. Byaruhanga Aloysius of Mitooma Health Centre, veered off the road and crashed into market vendors and their children.
The deceased has been identified as Mbyesiza Albert, a 15-year-old pupil and resident of Nyabugando Cell, Masya Parish. Five other individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to Nyakibale Hospital for medical attention. The victims include:
- Mucunguzi Emmanuel, 39, a peasant from Munyeganyege Cell, Nyamayenje Sub-county.
- Akanyijuka Arone, 9.
- Mbabazi Moses, 28, a boda boda rider from Kanyansiano, Masya Parish.
- Natukunda Happy, 42, a peasant from Shongara Cell, Masya Parish.
- Akampaire Priscilla, 45, a peasant from Nyabugando Cell.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the accident was caused by a tyre burst, which resulted in the driver losing control of the vehicle. Over-speeding is also suspected to have contributed to the severity of the crash.
Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded to the scene, conducting examinations and documenting evidence. The vehicle wreckage was retrieved and taken to the police yard for inspection, and statements from witnesses were recorded. A postmortem examination was conducted on the deceased, while the driver, Dr. Byaruhanga Aloysius, remains admitted at Nyakibale Hospital.
Police have launched further investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
Authorities urge motorists to regularly check the condition of their vehicles and observe speed limits to prevent similar tragedies.
