A tragic fuel truck explosion in Uganda has resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including two young children, police have confirmed. The incident occurred on Tuesday near Kampala, the nation’s capital, and follows a similar, devastating event in Nigeria last week that claimed the lives of over 140 individuals.
According to police spokesman Patrick Onyango, the fuel truck overturned in an accident before exploding in a town just outside Kampala. The force of the blast left many victims unrecognizable, highlighting the horrific nature of the tragedy. A dark plume of smoke billowed into the sky, a stark reminder of the destructive power of the explosion.
A video captured by a bystander and shared online shows individuals attempting to collect fuel from the overturned truck before the blast occurred. This dangerous practice, driven by the hope of selling the salvaged fuel, mirrors a similar incident in Nigeria that resulted in widespread fatalities.
Onyango issued a stark warning in the wake of the tragedy, stating, “This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials.” He urged the public to stay clear of such situations, emphasizing the potential for severe harm.
Sadly, this tragedy is not an isolated event in East Africa. In 2019, 62 people were killed in Tanzania while trying to siphon fuel from a damaged truck. A similar incident in South Sudan in 2015 resulted in the deaths of 183 people when villagers gathered to collect fuel from a truck, underlining the recurring dangers associated with these types of incidents.
The Ugandan explosion is a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and public awareness surrounding fuel tanker accidents. Authorities and communities must work together to ensure the safety of everyone, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials.