Five Killed, Several Injured in Horrific Lorry Crash on Moroto-Soroti Highway
Five people have been killed and several others seriously injured after a lorry carrying cattle and passengers overturned along the Moroto-Soroti highway in Napak District.
The fatal road accident occurred at Lodoon Village in Lorengechora Sub-county, Napak District, when a lorry registration number UNHCR 543U, travelling from Moroto to Soroti, reportedly suffered a front tyre burst.
According to police, the vehicle was heavily loaded with both cattle and passengers when the driver lost control following the tyre failure.
The lorry reportedly overturned several times, killing five people instantly and leaving several others with serious injuries.
Police Investigate Fatal Napak Road Crash
Karamoja Police spokesperson IP Mike Longole confirmed the accident and said investigations had been launched to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The tyre burst caused the vehicle to overturn several times, killing five people instantly, while several others sustained serious injuries,” Longole said.
A team led by the officer in charge of Iriiri Police Post visited the accident scene and commenced investigations.
Police are expected to examine the condition of the vehicle, the circumstances surrounding the tyre burst and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Eyewitness Blames Speeding and Overloading
An eyewitness, Michael Lotyang, claimed the lorry was travelling at high speed shortly before the accident.
Lotyang said some of the deaths might have been prevented if the driver had maintained a safer speed, particularly given that the vehicle was carrying both passengers and cattle.
“The vehicle was overspeeding. Some of these deaths could have been avoided if the driver had used an appropriate speed, especially because the vehicle was overloaded,” Lotyang said.
The eyewitness account is part of the information being considered as investigations continue. Police have not yet conclusively attributed the crash to speeding.
Injured Victims Rushed to Hospital
Several victims who sustained serious injuries were rushed to St Kizito Hospital Matany, where they were receiving medical treatment.
The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety, particularly the dangers associated with overloading, speeding and poor vehicle maintenance.
Police have urged motorists to exercise maximum caution while using the roads and to avoid carrying passengers or goods beyond the recommended capacity of their vehicles.
Drivers have also been advised to ensure their vehicles are mechanically fit before embarking on long journeys.
Road Safety Warning
Police continue to encourage motorists to regularly inspect tyres, brakes and other critical vehicle components, especially before travelling long distances.
The Moroto-Soroti highway remains an important transport route in the Karamoja region, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and livestock.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations into the Napak District lorry accident continue.
