Two people have been confirmed dead after a maize truck plunged into River Nile at Karuma bridge on Monday evening, while others remain missing, police have said.
The truck is said to have failed to stop at a roadblock at Karuma junction before going over the bridge.
Speaking to this reporter, Traffic Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura said the number of confirmed deaths is now two, although the search for missing occupants continues.
“Earlier we had reported three deaths but two occupants have been confirmed dead so far. We are still on the search and we will give a detailed report later,” he said.
He added that the toll could rise.
“The deaths could be more. They could be seven,” he said.
Susan Kataike, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said the incident occurred around 7:00 pm.
“The driver refused to stop and drove through the roadblock at Karuma junction. Unfortunately, it plunged into the river at the bridge,” she said.
Ms Kataike added that the bridge itself suffered minimal damage.
“No structural damage has been noticed on the bridge. Only about 6m of guard rails have been deformed. However, it appears the truck is lodged on the bridge pier in the river.”
The truck, a Fuso vehicle, was reportedly transporting maize from Lela Obaro in Bobi Sub County, Nwoya District, to Kololo in Kiryandongo District.
She noted that the bridge’s safety features, including humps, rumble strips, signage, and guardrails, remain intact.
“Isolated cases of errant truck drivers who do not follow the speed calming guidelines are bound to plunge into the water,” she said.
Preliminary reports suggest the truck somersaulted over the reinforced concrete parapet wall.
“This is yet to be confirmed but the load could have been far higher, and the counter moment lifted it over the parapet wall,” Ms Kataike explained.
West Region Police Spokesperson David Ongom Mudong earlier said the driver, registration number UAY 284 Q, is suspected to have been intoxicated.
“It is allegedly that the driver of the vehicle was heavily intoxicated. The owner of the maize tried to stop him not to drive but in vain,” he was quoted as saying.
The truck reportedly had about seven occupants, including the driver, while others were loaders and all residents of Lelabaro Trading Centre in Omoro District.
Authorities continue to search for the missing occupants and have urged motorists to exercise caution while crossing the bridge.