By Sekaggya Seka Moses
A devastating bus crash occurred on the Masaka-Mbarara highway in the early hours of Monday morning, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives and injuring over 30 others.
The accident involved a Kampala-bound bus belonging to Gateway Bus Company, which collided with a Fuso Fighter truck loaded with maize flour at Kirumba Village, Lwengo District.
Eyewitnesses report that the crash occurred around 4am when the speeding bus attempted to overtake another vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with the oncoming truck.
The deceased, who have yet to be identified, were traveling from Kabale to Kampala.
Majority of the passengers on board sustained various injuries, while occupants of the truck suffered multiple injuries, including fractured legs and arms.
The injured were rushed to local clinics in Kyazanga Town Council and Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
The Southern Regional police spokesperson, Mr. Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that the traffic team is still gathering details about the crash.
This tragic incident marks the third fatal bus crash on the same highway within a year.
On August 28, 2023, a bus belonging to Global Bus Company registration number UBB 985M skidded off the highway, killing two people and injuring over 20 others.
Days later, at least two people died and 17 others were injured after a speeding bus belonging to Perfect Coaches, registration number UBF 025G, skidded off the highway and overturned several times at Nkoko Stage near Katovu Township, Lwengo District.
The Masaka-Mbarara highway, despite having a smooth surface and climbing lanes, remains one of the most crash-prone highways in the country, highlighting the need for increased measures to prevent such accidents.
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