The death toll from the fatal road crash along the Masaka–Mutukula Highway has risen from six to eight after two critically injured victims succumbed to their injuries at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
The two victims died overnight after being transferred from Kalisizo Hospital in critical condition following the Wednesday accident.
Medical personnel at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital confirmed that three critically injured survivors were admitted to the facility on Wednesday evening. The patients were among the six people who had initially survived the crash involving a fuel tanker, registration number T813DYP/T251DZH, and a taxi, registration number UBH 378W, along the Masaka–Mutukula Road.
According to Dr. Dikens Turyamusiima, a physician in the hospital's emergency unit, two of the patients later died despite efforts by medical staff to save their lives.
“The two victims who died had severe head injuries, multiple leg fractures accompanied by heavy bleeding, facial wounds, and chest fractures. One of them died within five minutes of arrival despite receiving blood transfusions and emergency treatment,” Dr. Turyamusiima said.
He explained that the second victim survived for between six and eight hours after admission but eventually succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
“The patient arrived in shock with profuse bleeding from a fracture on the left side of the chest, head injuries, and multiple rib fractures. Investigations, including a brain CT scan, revealed cerebral edema. Unfortunately, he passed away during the night while still under treatment,” he added.
Dr. Turyamusiima said the third victim, who was admitted unconscious and in critical condition, responded well to treatment and has since regained consciousness.
“He sustained a mild head injury and is currently recovering well on the ward. We are optimistic that he will continue improving,” he said.
The doctor noted that severe head injuries remain the leading cause of death among accident victims received at the hospital. He urged road users, especially boda boda riders and passengers, to wear helmets to reduce the risk of fatal injuries.
One of the survivors, Michael Kaggwa, a resident of Kirumba in Masaka City who is still receiving treatment at the hospital, recounted the moments leading up to the crash.
Kaggwa said the last thing he remembers was seeing several fuel tankers approaching from behind the taxi in which he was travelling. He then lost consciousness and only regained awareness later, when he learned that some of his fellow passengers had died.
He said he was first rushed to Kalisizo Hospital while still conscious but has no recollection of how he was later transferred to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.
Meanwhile, three other survivors who remained admitted at Kalisizo Hospital are reportedly recovering.
The survivors have appealed to authorities to ensure justice is served by holding accountable those responsible for the crash. They have also requested continued medical care and support as they recover.
Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed that the driver of the fuel tanker suspected to have caused the accident, identified as Bosco Anthony, has been arrested.
“The driver attempted to flee after the accident, but through intelligence-led operations and the efforts of our officers on the ground, we managed to arrest him. He is currently in police custody and will face the law,” Kasirye said.
He urged survivors and the families of the deceased to remain calm as investigations continue.
Kasirye also called on motorists, particularly those using roads under construction, to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations, and follow instructions issued by road workers.
“Road workers are carrying out their duties while drivers are transporting people and goods. We urge all road users to follow the guidelines put in place. If road workers ask you to stop, please do so,” he said.
Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.