News
Mother of five-month-old baby among three killed in Hoima crash
The deceased have been identified as Richard Atugonza and Evelyn Irumba Akiiki, who left behind three children, including a five-month-old baby, and a turnboy, all residents of Nyamulima village, Bugambe sub-county in Kikuube district.
A traffic Police officer at the scene of the accident taking the details of the truck. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
By: Peter Abaanabasazi, Journalist @New Vision
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Police in the Albertine region are hunting for a driver who allegedly knocked and killed three people, including the mother of a five-month-old baby.
The deceased have been identified as Richard Atugonza and Evelyn Irumba Akiiki, who left behind three children, including a five-month-old baby, and a turnboy, all residents of Nyamulima village, Bugambe sub-county in Kikuube district.
The incident occurred when a truck, registration number UA 748 DC, carrying sand, collided with a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UFU 185 Y.
Residents gather at the scene of the accident. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)
Happy Muhumuza, a resident and eyewitness, said the incident happened near River Wambabya at Wambabya Bridge on the Kibingo-Bugambe road in Hoima city.
The victims died after the truck driver, who was travelling from Hoima city towards Bugambe, collided with the motorcycle, which was travelling from Bugambe sub-county towards Hoima city.
Atugonza and his passenger, Irumba, died on the spot, while the turnboy, who was not immediately identified, died at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital.
Muhumuza said the driver, who fled the scene with injuries, had allegedly been driving at high speed after knocking and injuring a bicycle rider at a roundabout before the fatal crash.
Another resident, Ahamed Kasaija, blamed the crash on the poor state of the road, noting that a corner at the scene limits visibility for motorists approaching from either direction.
Julius Hakiiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, said police had launched a manhunt for the driver who fled after the crash.
He attributed the accident to reckless driving, adding that it would have been avoidable had the driver exercised caution.
Hakiiza added that the truck involved in the accident has been impounded and is being held at Hoima City Police Station.
He urged drivers to respect other road users, blaming the increasing number of accidents in the region on failure to adhere to traffic rules.