The number of people who perished after a fuel tanker caught fire in Kigoogwa town, along the Kampala-Gulu highway has risen to 26, according to the police.

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

Upon overturning, the tanker burst, and fuel spilt into trenches and left several people dead, especially those who had rushed to the accident scene to collect fuel that was leaking from the tanker before it ignited.

The driver is alleged to have jumped off the vehicle and warned residents about the imminent danger.

Kituuma Rusoke, the Police Spokesperson says they registered another death of two victims on Sunday 27th 2024 bringing the total of those who have succumbed to 26.

He however says that, by using DNA testing, they have managed to handover 22 remains of the deceased to their family members for burial.

Meanwhile, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party proposes for the decentralization of the services of Police Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services to sub-county level to help in responding to emergencies in time.

This has been disclosed by the deputy FDC Spokesperson, Walid Mulindwa Lubega at the party headquarters at Najjanankumbi saying that this would ensure that fire services are localized hence reducing on the response time and improving efficient services in combating fires.

His call follows allegations of delayed response from the Fire Brigade as it is commonly known when the fuel tanker lost control and overturned at Kigoogwa town and burst into flames killing 11 people who were siphoning fuel on the spot last week.

By Ben Musanje

28 Oct 2024

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