The Police are hunting for a driver who allegedly caused the accident that claimed the life of a pupil and leaving scores injured.
Michael Kananura, the Public Relations Officer Traffic and Road Safety has this morning reported a fatal accident which was registered yesterday, August 8, 2023, at 10:00pm at Kufu along Manafwa-Mbale Road in Manafwa District. Kananura says the accident involved a vehicle registration number UBJ 994J, a Tata Lorry owned by Bukusu Corporative Enterprise Ltd.
“It is alleged that the driver of the Tata Lorry, identified as Godmas Mamai, was transporting pupils of Nakhupa Primary School. However, while traveling at high speed, the vehicle lost control at Kufu along the Manafwa-Mbale Road and overturned. This unfortunate incident claimed the life of a 16-year-old pupil, a male juvenile, Naminayi Thomas on the spot. Additionally, 117 others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical attention,” he said.
The injured were reportedly rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention whereas the Deceased’s body was taken to the same hospital for postmortem examination.
Kananura says that the vehicle that involved in the accident was towed to Manafwa Police Station pending a thorough inspection.
He reported that regrettably, the driver, Godmas Mamai, managed to escape and is currently on the run.
“Initial findings suggest that reckless speeding might have been the primary cause of the accident,” he said.
He added: “I take this opportunity to remind everyone that trucks are not designed to transport passengers. Such accidents highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations and guidelines.”