Tragedy struck in Uganda as at least 11 people lost their lives in a devastating fuel truck explosion near a highway. The incident, which occurred just outside the capital city of Kampala, claimed the lives of two children among the victims. According to police reports, the fuel truck overturned following an accident and subsequently exploded, leaving the victims burnt beyond recognition.
The scene was described as horrific, with a cloud of dark smoke billowing from the site of the explosion. Shockingly, a video shared online depicted individuals attempting to collect fuel from the damaged truck before the fatal blast occurred. This dangerous behavior mirrors a recent incident in Nigeria where over 140 people, including children, lost their lives in a similar fuel truck explosion.
Authorities have issued warnings against approaching fuel trucks in distress due to the high risks involved. The police spokesman emphasized the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials, highlighting the tragic consequences that can result from such incidents.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fuel tanker accidents. Similar incidents have been reported in East Africa in the past, with a particularly deadly incident in Tanzania in 2019 claiming the lives of 62 people who were attempting to siphon fuel from a damaged truck. In South Sudan, a heartbreaking incident in 2015 resulted in the deaths of at least 183 individuals as villagers gathered around a fuel truck to collect fuel.
