Bus crash leaves 16 injured in Soroti
The crash occurred at about 11:30 pm on July 18 at Opiro on the Soroti-Kampala Road, prompting an emergency response from the Uganda Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Health, and the Uganda Police Force.
Kakise bus travelling from Soroti to Kampala overturned in Soroti District late Saturday night. (Courtesy photo)
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At least 16 people were injured after a Kakise bus travelling from Soroti to Kampala overturned in Soroti District late Saturday night, with the driver sustaining injuries after reportedly trying to avoid a pedestrian who suddenly ran onto the highway.
The crash occurred at about 11:30 pm on July 18 at Opiro on the Soroti-Kampala Road, prompting an emergency response from the Uganda Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Health, and the Uganda Police Force.
According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, 16 casualties were rescued from the scene and evacuated to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
The regional traffic officer for East Kyoga, Mathias Okwir, confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying investigations into the crash were still ongoing.
The Uganda Red Cross Society said its emergency response team coordinated with health workers and police officers to provide first aid, evacuate casualties, and secure the scene. (Courtesy photo)
He said police were still verifying the exact number of people injured and the circumstances that led to the crash.
However, an eyewitness disputed earlier reports that the bus had knocked a boda boda rider before overturning.
Jorem Odongo, who said he witnessed the incident, explained that the crash happened after a man unexpectedly ran onto the highway while fleeing from a fight.
The account suggests the driver attempted an evasive manoeuvre to avoid hitting the pedestrian, causing the bus to overturn.
The bus driver, identified as Alfred Ekongu, suffered severe injuries during the crash. A source at Kakise Bus Company said Ekongu sustained catastrophic injuries to both legs and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The source added that his legs were later amputated due to the severity of the injuries. Hospital authorities had not officially confirmed his medical condition by press time.
The Uganda Red Cross Society said its emergency response team coordinated with health workers and police officers to provide first aid, evacuate casualties, and secure the scene.
Police said investigations were continuing to establish the exact cause of the crash and urged motorists to observe speed limits, particularly at night when visibility is reduced, and unexpected hazards are more common.