One dead, two injured in Valentine’s Day crash in Kisoro

__________________

Police in Kisoro district are investigating a fatal road crash that occurred on Valentine’s Day, leaving one person dead and two others injured.

The accident happened at approximately 2:00 pm at Kagoma village along the Kyanakye–Mukaka road in Kanaba sub-county, Kisoro district.

The crash involved a white Fuso Fighter truck, registration number UAW 876C, which was reportedly transporting produce at the time of the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Martin Akansiima, 28, a casual labourer and resident of Kyogo village in Kamwezi subcounty, Rukiga district.

According to preliminary reports, Akansiima was seated in the co-driver’s seat when the accident occurred. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The injured victims include the driver of the vehicle and another passenger whose identities had not yet been confirmed by press time. The two survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to Mutolere Hospital for treatment.

According to the Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson, Elly Maate, the vehicle had been loaded with onions and was travelling from Kagoma village towards Kyanakye. It is alleged that heavy rainfall at the time made the road surface extremely slippery.

Maate explained that as the driver attempted to navigate the stretch of road, he lost control of the vehicle due to the wet and slippery conditions. The truck reportedly skidded off the road and overturned into a nearby valley.

The impact of the crash resulted in Akansiima's instant death, while the driver and the other passenger sustained injuries.

Traffic police officers responded promptly to the scene. They documented the crash site, managed traffic flow and ensured that the injured were evacuated to a medical facility without delay. The body of the deceased was later transported to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Authorities have launched investigations to establish the exact cause of the accident as police caution motorists to exercise extra care while driving, especially during the rainy season when roads become slippery, and visibility is often reduced.

Road crashes remain a major concern in the Kigezi sub-region, particularly on murram and hilly roads that become hazardous during heavy rains. Police have repeatedly urged drivers to observe speed limits, ensure vehicles are mechanically sound and remain vigilant at all times to prevent avoidable accidents.