Residents of Buswabulongo Township in Mityana Municipality were left in shock after a parked trailer loaded with cement mysteriously rolled for about 100 metres before crashing into two roadside buildings and injuring one person.
The trailer had been travelling from Kampala to Mubende when the driver reportedly parked it by the roadside and stepped away to have breakfast.
However, moments later, the heavy vehicle began moving on its own under what Police have described as unclear circumstances.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to establish what caused the trailer to roll.
“Under unclear circumstances, the trailer rolled on its own for approximately 100 metres before leaving the road and crashing into two buildings,” SSP Kigozi said.
“One person who was inside one of the buildings sustained injuries.”
Police identified the injured victim as Angel Namukwaya, 32, a resident of Buswabulongo Township.
She was taken to hospital shortly after the crash and is currently receiving treatment.
The tractor unit involved in the incident is registered UAQ 856W, while the trailer bears registration number UBS 689G.
Traffic officers led by the Officer in Charge of Traffic in Mityana, Assistant Superintendent of Police Francis Natwasa, responded to the scene and cordoned off the area to allow for documentation and preliminary investigations.
“Our traffic officers visited the scene, which has been properly documented. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding this accident are ongoing,” Kigozi added.
Police said the driver of the trailer is currently unaccounted for. Authorities have appealed to him to report to the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
“We call upon the driver, wherever he may be, to hand himself over to police to support the ongoing investigations being conducted by the Traffic Department in Mityana,” Kigozi urged.
Police indicated that the inquiry will examine whether mechanical failure, improper parking, brake malfunction or negligence may have contributed to the incident.
The crash has reignited concerns among residents about the practice of roadside parking by heavy commercial vehicles in busy town areas, with some calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar occurrences.
Investigations are ongoing.
