Several people have lost their lives in a tragic accident near Mpologoma Swamp along the Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road.The fatal crash, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involved a commuter taxi and other vehicles, leaving a scene of devastation and heartbreak.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when a speeding commuter taxi collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle near the swamp.Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility and reckless driving may have contributed to the crash.
The force of the impact left the vehicles mangled, trapping several passengers inside.Emergency response teams, including police and local authorities, rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies of the deceased.
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, while the deceased were taken to mortuaries in either Mbale or Tirinyi for identification and post-mortem examinations.Authorities have yet to release an official number of casualties, but initial reports indicate that the death toll could be significant.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes, with some survivors struggling to free themselves from the wreckage while onlookers attempted to assist before emergency services arrived.Uganda Police Force spokesperson in the region, ASP John Musoke, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the crash.
He urged road users to exercise caution, especially when driving through accident-prone areas like Mpologoma Swamp.“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate event. We urge all motorists to adhere to traffic rules and avoid excessive speeding to prevent such tragedies,” ASP Musoke said.
The Tirinyi–Budaka–Mbale road has been notorious for fatal accidents, with previous incidents attributed to speeding, reckless overtaking, and poor road conditions.Residents and travelers have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road infrastructure to enhance safety.
Relatives of those affected have been asked to visit the designated hospitals and mortuaries to help in the identification of victims.Meanwhile, authorities are working to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow along the highway.
