Nine killed in Oyam accident

Nine people on Saturday were confirmed dead following a nasty road accident that occurred on Friday evening in Oyam District. 

Police said the accident occurred when the driver of a speeding Fuso Lorry registration number UAK 425E, lost control and rammed into a group of roadside vendors at Acokara Trading Center in Otwal Sub County.  

Most of the victims were food vendors selling items like vegetables, maize and millet flour. 

Police said the driver of the Fuso lorry loaded with maize grain was trying to avoid knocking two children who were crossing the road when he lost control and rammed into the vendors.  

The Regional Police commander, North Kyoga Samuel Otunvul who visited the scene shortly after the accident said eight people died on spot and one on his way to hospital. 

The deceased were identified as Imat Geto of Apidokat in Iceme Sub County, Juspanti Okello Binany of Ayamo Okuta in Otwal, Sharon Atoo, 12, a daughter of Tobia Okello of Acokara, Ivan Ojok, 6, Ronney Omara, 12, Tracy Atino, 8, and Esther Atwai Ogwanga Bele of Telela in Otwal.    

But the driver of the lorry identified as Walter Olomo took off immediately after the incident, forcing an angry mob to turn their ire on the lorry which they set ablaze.