Earlier on Tuesday, Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango noted the number of dead casualties among people who rushed to siphon fuel after a fuel tanker, registration number UAM 292Q, had lost control and overturned in Kigogwa Town along the Kampala-Bombo road.
In the chaos that ensued after the fuel truck had lost control and turned, several people attempted to siphon fuel from the tanker and were tragically burned, leading to fatalities that included two minors.
The number of dead was 11 initially after the incident and has grown to 15 police notes, with 24 being hospitalised .
In parliament, Ethel Naluyima, the Wakiso District Woman MP, who is the area MP, estimated the death toll to be 35 and called for the establishment of fire brigade stations throughout the country and reducing relying on the Kampala station.
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While expressing condolences to the families of the deceased during a parliamentary session, Speaker Among stressed the importance of enhancing public awareness due to the frequency of similar tragedies in the past.
“Over the last few years, we have witnessed similar cases, notably in January 2021 on the Northern Bypass, where at least 33 people were left dead. In Rubirizi in 2019, where 20 people died. Such incidences point to the need to sensitize our locals on public safety during such incidences. We condole with the bereaved families and pray that the Lord comfort them,” the Speaker noted.
She also called for intensified public campaigns to discourage individuals from attempting to collect fuel from the tankers whenever such accidents happen.
“Police are conducting a fact-finding mission to confirm the number of injured persons from the health facilities,” Onyango said.
“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials,” Onyango concluded.
