Journalist Julius Kitone, a reporter with Next Media is feared to be among the eight people who perished in a horrific road crash on Friday evening at Kibega 1 Village along the Mbarara–Lyantonde highway in Kiruhura District.
The fatal accident occurred at around 6:30pm and involved a white Toyota Hiace registration number UBQ 016U and a Mercedes Benz Actros trailer registration number KDQ 668L/ZH 5133.
According to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, SP Samson Kasasira, the Toyota Hiace was traveling from Mbarara to Lyantonde while the trailer was heading in the opposite direction.
It is alleged that the driver of the Toyota Hiace attempted to overtake at a corner and collided head-on with the oncoming trailer, which was in its proper lane.
The crash instantly claimed eight lives, all occupants of the Toyota Hiace, and left one survivor who was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Police said four bodies were still trapped in the wreckage by press time as rescue efforts continued. Police say they are also working to formally identify all the deceased.
Family members and colleagues have expressed fears that journalist Julius Kitone was among the passengers aboard the ill-fated vehicle, though official confirmation from police was still pending.
Preliminary investigations indicate reckless driving as the likely cause of the accident. Police have urged motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking and observe traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on the highways.