Among calls for increased public awareness after fuel tank explosion kills 11

The Speaker of Parliament,Anita Among, has urged for increased public awareness regarding safety measures following a tragic fuel tanker incident that resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals in Kigogwa town.

On Tuesday afternoon, a fuel tanker with the registration number UAM 292Q, which was en route from Kampala to Gulu, overturned and ignited.

In the chaos that ensued, several people attempted to siphon fuel from the tanker and were tragically burned, leading to fatalities that included two minors.

While expressing condolences to the families of the deceased during a parliamentary session, Among stressed the importance of enhancing public awareness due to the frequency of similar tragedies in the past.

"Over the last few years, we have witnessed similar cases notably in January 2021 on the Northern By-pass where at least 33 people were left dead. In Rubirizi in 2019, where 20 people died. Such incidences point the need to sensitising our locals on public safety during such incidences. We condole with the bereaved families and pray that may the Lord comfort them,” the Speaker noted.

She also called for intensified public campaigns to discourage individuals from attempting to collect fuel from the tankers whenever such accidents happen.

Among argued that many of the fatalities could have been avoided if people had not rushed to gather fuel after the tanker overturned.

Meanwhile, Ethel Naluyima, the Wakiso District Woman MP who is the area MP claimed that the death toll could be at 35 and called for the establishment of fire brigade stations across the country and end the reliance on the Kampala station.

On Tuesday, Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, noted that people who rushed to siphon fuel from the fuel tank were the most affected.

"Unfortunately, people who rushed to siphon fuel from the tanker were the most affected.- Four buildings housing nine shops were destroyed in the blaze. Properties worth millions of shillings were lost," Onyango stated.

Onyango further confirmed that the injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while police continue their investigation.

"Police are conducting a fact-finding mission to confirm the number of injured persons from the health facilities," Onyango said.

"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,'' Onyango added.

He stated that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.