A devastating accident on the Manafwa-Mbale Road has claimed one pupil and left 117 others critically injured.
The accident that occurred last night involved a Tata lorry, transporting pupils from Nakhupa Primary School who were returning from a music festival in Mbale City.
In an official statement released by SP Kananura Michael, the Traffic & Road Safety Spokesperson, the accident transpired around 10:00 p.m at Kufu, Manafwa District. The Tata Lorry with registration plate UBJ 994J, owned by Bukusu Corporative Enterprise Ltd., was being driven by Godmas Mamai.
Preliminary reports indicate that the lorry was moving at an excessively high speed when Mamai lost control along Kufu Road, causing the vehicle to overturn. Tragically, a 16-year-old male pupil, Thomas Naminayi, lost his life at the scene, while 117 others suffered serious injuries.
Following the incident, the injured pupils were promptly transported to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, the lifeless body of Thomas Naminayi was taken to the same hospital for a postmortem examination.
Local authorities have revealed that the driver of the lorry was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. However, he is currently on the run.
The Tata lorry involved in the accident has been impounded at Manafwa Police Station for further investigation.
SP Kananura emphasized that these events highlight the grave risks associated with overloading trucks with passengers, reiterating the importance of adhering to road safety rules and guidelines.
The authorities continue their efforts to bring the responsible driver to justice while the community mourns the loss of young Naminayi.
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