The number of people who have so far lost lives during this Christmas festive week has grown to 70.
Hours after Assistant Superintendent of Police, Faridah Nampiima, the traffic police spokesperson, revealed that 55 people had perished between December 23rd and December 26, nine more lives perished last night in Lwengo fatal crash.
The Lwengo crash happened at around 7pm at Kaganda towards Kyojja swamp in Kinoni along Masaka – Mbarara highway.
Police say motor vehicle RAF 168S/RL 1426 Mercedes Benz Actros trailer from Masaka heading to Mbarara side had a rear tyre bust, lost control and subsequently crossed over to the lane of oncoming vehicles. The trailer rammed into Toyota Hiace UBJ 084N and Mark II UAP 126A from the opposite.
“This crash killed nine people on spot. Twelve injured victims have been rushed to Masaka referral for treatment, and one was in critical condition,” ASP Nampiima said.
The Lwengo incident came less than 24 hours after seven people lost lives at Kayabwe when a Toyota Hiace and Benz that were all heading to Kampala had a crash in an attempt to overtake.
Nampiima said the deaths in crashes of December 23rd and December 26 and included 21 pedestrians, 15 motorcyclists, five passengers in taxis, eight passengers on motorcycles, one driver and five passengers in other private vehicles.