Kigoogwa Town, located along the Kampala-Gulu highway, was plunged into chaos on Tuesday evening when a fuel tanker exploded, leaving devastation in its wake.
The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. when a fuel tanker, with registration number UAM 292Q, overturned in the heart of the town while traveling from Kampala to Gulu. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the tanker lost control of the vehicle and quickly jumped out, shouting warnings for everyone to stay clear before fleeing the scene.
Despite the driver’s desperate warnings, locals and boda boda riders gathered around the overturned tanker to siphon fuel. Tragically, it was during this dangerous moment that the tanker exploded, engulfing the area in flames.
“The victims were burnt beyond recognition,” said Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, noting that emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the inferno.
As of the latest reports, 11 people have been confirmed dead, including nine adults and two children. Onyango added that more victims lost their lives while being transported to hospitals, including Mulago and Bombo hospitals, and updates on the final death toll are expected.
Several people are currently receiving treatment for severe burns, although the exact number of injured individuals remains unclear, with many still in critical condition. The remains of the deceased have been taken to the city mortuary in Kampala, where authorities are working to identify the victims.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the explosion caused extensive property damage. Four buildings housing nine businesses were completely destroyed, with merchandise worth millions of Ugandan shillings lost in the blaze. “The scale of destruction was immense,” Onyango stated.
Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause of the accident that led to the tanker overturning and exploding, as the community reels from the tragedy.
