The mangled Kasaba bus that was rammed into from behind
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Police has revealed that the likely cause of the accident that claimed 11 lives has been discovered to be overspeeding by both drivers.
According to preliminary police findings following the fatal crash on the Kampala–Masaka Highway, the early morning accident, the speed compromised on the driver’s ability to control the vehicles.
The accident was largely caused by excessive speed. This likely reduced the drivers’ ability to control their vehicles and avoid the collision,” said Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson.
He confirmed that the incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. in Karegero Town, about four kilometres from Lyantonde Town, and that it involved a Kasaba bus traveling from Rukungiri to Kampala and a lorry heading from Kampala to Mbarara. “Both vehicles were over speeding.”
He further said that the two vehicles collided in a violent impact that left eight people dead on the spot, while three others later succumbed to injuries at hospital.
Eyewitnesses reported that the lorry rammed into the bus from behind. “We heard a loud bang, and when we got to the scene, we found that the box-body lorry had rammed into the bus from behind,” one witness said, describing the impact of the crash.
Among the deceased was a police officer, Abaho, attached to Mukono Police Station. Police are still working to identify the other victims.
Kasirye added that the bus driver fled the scene and is currently being sought to assist with ongoing investigations.
Survivors were rushed to Lyantonde Hospital, where they continue to receive treatment. In response to the crash, traffic police have intensified enforcement by introducing snap checkpoints along the highway.
Police have urged passengers to remain vigilant and report reckless driving, especially during the festive season, which has already claimed 15 lives along the highway.
