Uganda fuel truck explosion kills at least 10: Video
A fuel truck lost control and exploded near the Ugandan capital on Tuesday, October 22 resulting in at least 10 fatalities, according to local officials.
The incident occurred on a highway in Kigogwa, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Kampala.
Charles Lwanga, the resident district commissioner, reported that the fuel tanker overturned in a busy area, attracting people who attempted to siphon fuel before the explosion took place.
"The explosion killed at least 10 people, and several others were injured," Lwanga told AFP.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, and firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to a nearby petrol station. "Investigations are underway. Rescue and emergencies are on the scene and the fire prevention service from the police have controlled the fire," Lwanga added.
The explosion occurred around 3 PM local time (1200 GMT), as confirmed by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango.
This tragic incident follows a recent fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria on October 15 that claimed over 170 lives. Uganda has seen similar tragedies in the past, including a 2019 explosion in Kyambura that killed 19 people and a 2002 accident that resulted in 70 fatalities when an oil truck collided with a bus near Rutoto.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the latest disaster as the community mourns the lives lost.
