The death toll from a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Kigogwa, along the Kampala-Gulu road in Uganda’s Wakiso District, has risen to 24.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the tragic increase, marking one of the deadliest accidents in the region this year.
Initial Incident and Rising Death Toll
The explosion occurred on Tuesday in Kigogwa, Wakiso District, where a fuel tanker caught fire and led to a massive blaze.
In the days following, the Uganda Police Force worked tirelessly to assess the death toll and recover victims.
As of the latest reports on Sunday, authorities confirmed that 24 individuals had perished in the accident, with the majority of victims being male.
Assistant Inspector General of Police and Director of Health Services, Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, revealed during a press briefing that 18 of the 24 deceased were male and six were female.
Additionally, he disclosed that among the victims were three juveniles, whose remains were heartbreakingly confirmed to include fragments from the scene.
Identification Efforts and DNA Matching
Given the scale of the fire, many of the victims’ bodies were burned beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts.
In response, authorities utilized DNA testing to match recovered remains with samples from families.
“The remains that we got from the scene are 11, and a set of three feet of children, meaning those were two bodies,” Dr. Byaruhanga explained.
Thanks to DNA testing, all recovered remains were successfully identified, allowing for a dignified handover to grieving families.
“The results were out yesterday, and good enough, all the samples matched with the victims, and the bodies shall be handed over to the families if they show up,” Dr Byaruhanga stated, emphasizing the importance of family presence for the handover.
Handing Over Identified Bodies to Families
Victims who passed away at Kiruddu Hospital were more easily identified and promptly returned to their families.
Authorities worked in collaboration with Bombo Military Hospital, facilitating the timely release and handover of bodies to ensure that families could proceed with burial rites.
Dr. Byaruhanga and his team’s quick work in coordination with medical facilities played a critical role in bringing a measure of closure to the affected families, who have been devastated by the tragedy.
Ongoing Search for the Missing Fuel Tanker Driver
While families mourn and investigations proceed, police are actively searching for the driver of the fuel tanker, who fled the scene and remains at large.
The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, called upon the public to assist in locating the driver.
Kabbyanga stated, “We have written to the Uganda Revenue Authority to provide information on the vehicle’s ownership,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Authorities are committed to holding those responsible accountable, especially given the devastating impact on local families and communities.
Government Support for Affected Families
In a show of support for those affected by the explosion, the government has pledged financial assistance to victims’ families.
Kabbyanga announced that families who lost loved ones will receive financial aid totalling Shs5 million each, while those still recovering from injuries will be granted Shs1 million.
This financial support aims to alleviate some of the immediate burdens placed on grieving families as they grapple with medical expenses and funeral costs following this tragedy.
Preliminary Investigation: Charcoal Stove Suspected Cause of Fire
Early reports suggest that the explosion was triggered by a nearby charcoal stove that ignited the fuel tanker, leading to the catastrophic fire.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire stated, “The reports we still have indicate the fire was ignited by a charcoal stove which was at the scene of crime at the time of the incident.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident in order to confirm this preliminary cause and gather more information on how the explosion occurred.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Safety and Accountability
This tragic incident has underscored the need for heightened safety measures along Uganda’s highways, especially regarding hazardous materials like fuel.
As investigations progress, officials are committed to enhancing regulations and implementing preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, authorities continue to seek justice for the victims and remain dedicated to finding the missing driver.
With Uganda’s roads remaining an essential artery of daily life, ensuring safety for all remains a critical priority in the aftermath of this devastating accident.
