Four inmates perish in Kaberamaido accident

PIC: The lorry was carrying 60 passengers. (Credit: Michael Onyinge)

ACCIDENT

KABERAMAIDO - Four inmates have been confirmed dead after the vehicle they were travelling in overturned in Kaberamaido district. The inmates were going to work in a garden.

The Kaberamaido district Police traffic officer, Daniel Abiar, said three died on the spot, while one died at Kaberamaido Health Centre IV.

The lorry was carrying 60 passengers.

Abiar said the cause of the accident is suspected to have been a mechanical problem. The driver failed to control the vehicle and it swung on the pavement and overturned.

The victims have been identified as Peter Abau, 19, from Omulai in Ochero sub-county; Ivan Elasu, 21, from Odingoi in Kaberamaido and Emmanuel Etunyu, 18, from Obur village in Bululu sub-county. The fourth victim was only identified as Obion.

Forty-nine inmates sustained injures. Some of them were admitted at Kaberamaido health center IV, while those in critical condition were transferred and referred to Soroti Hospital.

Three of the eight prison warders were injured. They are Michael Alima, Charles Eyomu and David Okwir.

Meanwhile, Fred Mike Obeto, the fourth prison warder who had gone for rescue, got involved in another accident.

Simon Peter Arimon Agoda, who was in the front seat said the driver was not speeding.

The Kaberamaido district Police commander, Charles Oumo, urged drivers to check on the car's mechanical condition before driving.