A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday when a fuel truck ran out of control, overturned, and exploded into flames on a highway in Kigogwa, approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

According to Charles Lwanga, the Resident District Commissioner for the area, the fuel tanker lost control and overturned, attracting nearby residents who attempted to siphon fuel from the wreckage. Unfortunately, the tanker suddenly erupted, killing at least 10 people and injuring several others.

“The area was busy, and people nearby came to siphon fuel from the tanker, but it exploded,” Lwanga explained. “Investigations are underway, and rescue services and emergency responders are on the scene. The fire prevention service from the police has controlled the fire.”

Ambulances rushed to the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, while firefighters worked to prevent the flames from spreading to a nearby petrol station.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that the fuel tanker overturned and caught fire at 3 pm (1200 GMT). “A multi-agency response team swiftly responded,” he added.

This devastating incident comes just days after a similar fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria on October 15 claimed the lives of over 170 people.

Uganda has experienced several fatal fuel truck accidents in recent years. In August 2019, 19 people died in a fuel truck explosion in Kyambura, western Uganda. In 2002, 70 people were killed when an oil truck collided with a bus in Rutoto, less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Kyambura. Additionally, 33 people lost their lives in a fuel truck explosion in Kampala in 2013.

The town of Kigogwa lies on the key road connecting Kampala to Bombo, home to the Uganda Land Forces headquarters.