A fuel truck exploded into flames near Uganda’s capital, Kampala, on Tuesday, killing 11 people, including two minors, police confirmed.
The tragedy occurred on a highway in Kigogwa town, about 25 kilometers north of Kampala. The Uganda Police Force reported that the truck overturned before catching fire, leading to the deaths of nine adults and two minors.
The victims were burnt beyond recognition, according to the police. The blast destroyed four buildings and nine shops, causing extensive property damage worth millions of Ugandan shillings.
The fuel truck was traveling from Kampala to Gulu in northern Uganda, a journey spanning about 650 kilometers. Many of the victims rushed to siphon fuel from the overturned tanker before it exploded.
Images from the scene showed the charred remains of the tanker and nearby damaged buildings, while emergency responders worked to contain the fire. Forensic specialists were on-site conducting investigations into the cause of the incident.
This explosion follows a similar disaster in northern Nigeria, where more than 170 people were killed in a fuel tanker explosion on October 15.
Uganda has seen multiple tragic incidents involving fuel tankers in recent years. In 2019, 19 people died when a fuel truck crashed and exploded in Kyambura, western Uganda. In 2013, 33 people were killed in a similar blast in Kampala.
Authorities have urged caution when dealing with hazardous materials to avoid such tragedies. Investigations into Tuesday’s explosion are ongoing.
