Three Dead, Several Injured in Owino Vendors’ Truck Crash

At least three people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after a truck transporting vendors from a monthly market in Palabek Abera Sub-county, Lamwo District, crashed in Kitgum District.

The victims were returning from the monthly market at Agwata in Palabek Abera when the accident occurred.

The crash happened on Tuesday night at around 8 p.m. along the Bajere–Alune Road at Tongo Valley in Labongo Akwang Sub-county.According to eyewitness accounts from fellow vendors, the truck—registration number UBM 846K—lost control while carrying passengers who had attended the market.

Quinto Olweny, the chairperson of Kitgum Owino Vendors, said two people died on the spot, while another later succumbed to injuries at Kitgum General Hospital. One of the deceased has been identified as Johnson Okumu, a relative of the truck owner who was reportedly working as a controller during the trip.

The second identified victim is Ajok Nancy, a vendor.Olweny said another male victim, who has not yet been identified, was not officially registered among the vendors but had boarded the truck claiming to be a loader. A fourth victim, who sustained severe head injuries, was referred to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for further management.

Olweny further alleged that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, though investigations are still ongoing. He also criticised some vendors for not raising concerns before the journey. “Some of these things are only reported after tragedy has already happened,” he said.

“Gin luwot bene…Kitgum District Police Commander Peter Oyesigye confirmed the accident, saying scene-of-crime officers visited the area on Thursday morning. He said the wreckage remains at the crash site as investigations continue to establish the exact cause of the accident. Police have promised a full report once inquiries are completed.