Six people have been confirmed dead and 14 others critically injured following a deadly road crash along the busy Karuma-Pakwach highway early Monday morning. The accident, involving a Nile Star bus and a trailer truck, occurred at around 1:00 a.m. at Lapok Mor Cell in Purongo Town Council, Nwoya District.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus was travelling from Koboko and had made a stopover in Arua City before departing at 9:00 p.m. Survivor accounts suggest the crash happened as the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle and veered into the path of an oncoming truck heading towards Pakwach. Police say the bus driver and two unidentified passengers died on the spot.
Earlier reports had indicated three fatalities, but Nwoya Resident District Commissioner Christopher Omara confirmed that the death toll has since risen to six. He added that 14 others sustained critical injuries and were, by press time, receiving treatment at Anaka General Hospital, with some referred to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor for specialised care.
In response, the Nile Star bus company dispatched rescue vehicles overnight and again in the morning to support victims and transport relatives to the scene and health facilities. West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed the incident but referred further inquiries to the North Kyoga Regional Police.
Authorities say investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing, although preliminary findings point to speeding as a possible factor. More details to follow. URN