KIGOOGWA FUEL TANK FIRE: 11 dead, scores critically injured

KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | 11 people have been confirmed dead and scores injured after fuel tank caught fire at Kigoogwa Town along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

The accident occured at around 3:00 pm in Kigoogwa Town when a fuel tank registration number UAM 292Q, from Kampala heading Gulu overturned and caught fire in Kigoogwa town.

According to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, the accident claimed the lives of 11 people on spot including nine adults and 2 children .

“The victims were burnt beyond recognition. Unfortunately, people who rushed to siphon fuel from the tank were the most affected ” Onyango said

Onyango added that four buildings housing nine shops were destroyed in the blaze and property worth millions of shillings were lost.

Scores of the residents where also injured and rushed to various health facilities for treatment in Matugga town as well as Kawempe hospital among others for treatment.

The Police is yet to confirm the identities and the number of injured since they are still under treatment with severe fire burns.

Police has also transferred the remains of the injured persons to the city mortuary in Kampala city .

Police has since contained the fire and cleared the highway.

“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tank accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials.” Onyango

Its reported that after the fuel tank overturned, several people rushed to siphon fuel before it caught fire and killed 11 persons on the spot.

Fire has also spread to several shops and destroyed merchandise worth millions from the nine shops.

In August this year one person died and two others injured after a fuel tank overturned and caught fire in Rukungiri district.

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