At least 46 people have been killed after several vehicles crashed on a major highway in Uganda, police said on Wednesday.
Authorities later revised down an earlier toll of 63 deaths, explaining that some victims initially believed to be dead were unconscious and are now receiving treatment.
Head-on collision triggered chain reaction
The crash happened around 00:15 local time (21:15 GMT) when two buses travelling in opposite directions “met head on” while trying to overtake a lorry and a car on the Kampala–Gulu Highway, the Uganda Police Force said.
One of the buses swerved to avoid impact but instead caused a “head-on and side collision” that triggered a chain reaction, sending other vehicles out of control and overturning.
Along with the fatalities, dozens of passengers were injured, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.
Injured taken to hospitals in Kiryandongo
The injured have been transferred to hospitals in the western town of Kiryandongo, police said.
In a statement, they added that the authorities are working with health and emergency services to verify numbers and provide accurate updates as investigations continue.
President Museveni sends condolences
President Yoweri Museveni said he had learned of the tragedy “with sadness” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
He urged drivers to exercise caution to prevent such disasters and directed that each bereaved family receive five million shillings ($1,430) and one million shillings ($286) be given to each of the injured.
The Kampala–Gulu Highway, linking the capital to northern Uganda, is one of the country’s busiest routes.
Following the crash, police again urged motorists to avoid dangerous and careless overtaking, calling it “one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.”
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