Lira, Uganda | The North Kyoga Regional Police have confirmed that four victims of Wednesday evening’s road accident on the Lira–Soroti highway have been referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition, while the rest remain admitted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH).
The accident at Corner Amach claimed the life of Olobo Fabias and left twelve other employees of Mota-Engil Road Construction Company with serious injuries.
The crash occurred at around 8:00 pm during heavy rain when a Mercedes Benz Actross semi-trailer (registration KCM 0711A/ZB 1076) veered off its lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Coaster bus (registration UBN 572P) carrying the workers.
The deceased died instantly, while those injured include Auro Rehema, Omongot Lawrence, Omedi Quinto, Kasula Ronald, Ayuli Denis, Echeng Benard, Acio Monica, Alele Richard, Acheng Charity, Okalebo Jethrom, Akullo Patricia, and Opiny Joshua.
Police reported that the trailer driver fled the scene after the collision and remains at large.
Both vehicles are still at the scene under police guard awaiting breakdown services.
According to preliminary findings, the accident was caused by reckless driving on the part of the semi-trailer driver.
Authorities have appealed to him to surrender to the nearest police station.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the incident demonstrated the dangers of driving during adverse weather conditions.
He stressed that motorists should prioritise safety and, in heavy rains, stop and wait until conditions improve rather than risk lives.
The body of the deceased has been conveyed to the LRRH mortuary for post-mortem examination as investigations continue.