Tangi flooding: Passengers rescued from taxi, driver arrested

Nov 28, 2024

The taxi was successfully retrieved using heavy machinery, including an excavator and equipment from the China Railways construction site in Olwiyo, Nwoya district. He added that the driver had also been arrested.

Onlookers look at retrieved bodies after the disaster. (File/Edna Piyic/New Vision)

Hudson Apunyo
Journalist @New Vision

___________________

NWOYA

All passengers trapped in a commuter taxi that was yesterday, November 27, 2024, stranded in floodwaters on the Pakwach-Nwoya Highway have been rescued.

Aswa West Police region spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, on Thursday, November 28, said the taxi was successfully retrieved using heavy machinery, including an excavator and equipment from the China Railways construction site in Olwiyo, Nwoya district. He added that the driver had also been arrested.

Rescued Passengers Identified

The following individuals were rescued from the taxi:

  1. Comfort Badaru
  2. Modesta Apio
  3. Jasper Ogwang
  4. Gloria Akong
  5. Yasin Kemisalah
  6. Lona Achen
  7. Ajedra Juliet
  8. Vivian Akongo
  9. Gifty Akello
  10. Deziderio Ssekyewa
  11. Stella Kakabuye

They were taken to Anaka General Hospital for treatment and first aid.

River breaks banks

The flooding occurred on November 27, 2024, following early morning heavy rains that caused River Tangi, a tributary of the Nile, to burst its banks, submerging the Pakwach-Nwoya road at around 11:00am.

Onlookers look at retrieved bodies after the disaster. (File/Edna Piyic/New Vision)

Onlookers look at retrieved bodies after the disaster. (File/Edna Piyic/New Vision)



Eyewitnesses reported that Mohamed Okello, the taxi driver working for Elite Transporters Company Ltd, attempted to cross the fast-flowing waters despite visible danger. The Toyota Drone Taxi (Reg. No. UBH 418W), carrying 12 passengers, was later stranded in the middle of the river.

Tragic rescue operation

Territorial Police, led by district commander Richard Anyama, coordinated with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) for a rescue. A UNRA rescue boat, with a crew of four, was deployed. Tragically, the boat capsized during the operation, resulting in the death of Hassan Yahaya, a 45-year-old UNRA marine engineer. His body was taken to Pakwach Health Center IV for a postmortem. The other crew members were rescued by a UPDF marine boat.

Driver arrested 

The Police arrested and interrogated Okello as part of an ongoing investigation. Statements from eyewitnesses have been recorded, and further testimony will be collected from the rescued passengers once they recover.

Road damage and public advisory

An assessment by UNRA engineers revealed severe damage to the Pakwach-Nwoya road. A temporary ban has been placed on all motor vehicle traffic along the road, allowing only pedestrian access.

Authorities have urged the public to adhere to safety precautions and avoid crossing flooded areas to prevent similar tragedies.

“This incident highlights the serious dangers posed by reckless behaviour during extreme weather conditions,” Police said.

“We urge everyone to prioritise safety and co-operate with the authorities to mitigate such risks.”

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