Eight Killed in Fatal Crash Along Mbarara–Lyantonde Highway

KIRUHURA, Uganda — Eight people have died in a tragic road crash along the Mbarara–Lyantonde Highway in Kiruhura District, police have confirmed.

According to police in Rwizi Region, the fatal accident occurred at around 6:30pm on Friday at Kibega I Village. The crash involved a white Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UBQ 016U, and a Mercedes-Benz Actros trailer, registration numbers KDQ 668L/ZH 5133.

It is reported that the Toyota Hiace was traveling from Mbarara towards Lyantonde, while the trailer was heading in the opposite direction towards Mbarara. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Hiace attempted to overtake at a corner and collided head-on with the oncoming trailer, which was in its proper lane.

All eight deceased victims were occupants of the Toyota Hiace. One survivor, who sustained injuries, was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.

Police said four of the bodies remained trapped in the wreckage by press time, with rescue teams working to retrieve them. Efforts to identify the deceased are ongoing.

Rwizi Regional Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira attributed the crash to reckless driving and urged motorists to exercise caution, especially when overtaking on highways.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.