Five people have been confirmed dead and six others injured following a road crash along the Masaka–Kyotera highway.
The crash occurred at around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Botero Trading Centre. According to Southern Region Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye, the accident involved a Hino truck, registration number T813DYP/T251ZH, and a taxi, commonly known as a “drone”, registration number UBH 378W.
Kasirye said the taxi had parked by the roadside at Botero Trading Centre to offload passengers when it was struck by the truck, which was travelling in the same direction.
He identified the deceased as three adult women and two men. Two of the victims were identified as 28-year-old Vega Marks and a 60-year-old woman identified only as Janati.
The bodies were taken to Kalisizo General Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Kasirye said the injured, comprising five men and one woman, were rushed to various health facilities, including Kalisizo General Hospital and Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, for treatment.
Police have arrested the truck driver to assist with investigations, while both vehicles have been impounded for inspection.
“The cause of the accident is still under inquiry, though it is alleged that the driver of the truck was overspeeding and driving recklessly,” Kasirye said.
Police condemned reckless driving and urged motorists to observe traffic regulations to help prevent similar fatal crashes.
