Kigogwa Fuel Tank Blast: Death toll rises to 15

WAKISO, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | The number of people who perished after a fuel tanker caught fire in Kigoogwa town has risen to 15.

The accident occurred on Tuesday in Kigoogwa Town when the tanker, registration number UAM 292Q, travelling from Kampala to Gulu, overturned and caught fire in the town.

Ismail Musoke, an eyewitness, said that upon overturning, the tanker burst, and fuel spilt into trenches. The driver, after jumping off, warned residents about the imminent danger.

Musoke explains that youths rushed to the scene to collect the fuel that was leaking on the ground before it ignited, leading to the deadly fire.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson says that the accident claimed the lives of 11 people on the spot and four others died on Wednesday due to severe burns.

“The police are working to identify the dead through DNA testing, and relatives are urged to come forward to assist in this process. The bodies of the victims will be released to their families once DNA testing is complete.”Onyango said.

Onyango adds that 24 others were injured with 15 currently in Intensive Care Unit and nine in the normal ward at Kiruddu Hospital.

“An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway, utilizing available technologies such as CCTV cameras to piece together what happened. Unfortunately, the driver of the truck involved in the accident remains at large.” Onyango added.

Some of the deceased have been identified as Joseph Muwonge, aged 24, Teddy Nakamya, aged 26, together with her daughters Chelsea Nakayaga, aged five, and Polly Namutebi, aged three. Nakamya and her daughters died inside their house.

Others are Gloria Namukose, Lubega Mahad, Samuel Matutu Morgan, aged 25, Alex Ssendi, aged 32, and Ahmed Ssemwezi, aged 22, among others who are yet to be identified. Several victims were burnt beyond recognition.

At the home of Alex Sendi located in Kigoogwa town, friends and relatives are gathering to mourn his death.   Sendi allegedly met his death while trying to collect fuel which had slipped on the ground.

Sendi will be buried on Thursday at Kayonza-Matugga.

Florence Najjuma another resident said that her husband Samuel Morgan Matutu also died in the fire leaving her with one child.

Emily Nanyonga another resident also said that her husband Mahad Lubega had been confirmed dead in the fire.

Umar Kateregga, a landlord said that five out of seven of his tenants were found dead.   Kateregga identified Teddy Nakamya who was retrieved dead together with her two daughters in their shop and two other tenants.

It is still a sombre mood in Kigoogwa town with police yet to remove the wreckage of the fuel tanker.

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