A truck loaded with paint has caught fire after plunging into River Waaki while at the bridge.
The Albertine Regional Police Public Relations Officer, SP Allan Julius Hakiza, has told Kazi-njema Radio that the crash occurred yesterday (Thursday), August 29, 2024, at around 9:30am when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle.
The truck registration number UBH 648 R/UAD834Q was en-route from Hoima city direction to Buliisa district.
A video clip circulated by an eye witness showed a smoky and fiery state under the bridge in the river as spectators stood on different sides of the bridge.
The driver identified as Mr Brian Abigaba and his two passengers Ms Hope Wekiniga and Mr Dickson survived narrowly.
SP Hakiza says preliminary investigations have linked the crash to a mechanical fault.
Mr Patrick Okumu, the Councillor for Kihungya parish in Kihungya sub-county, Buliisa district said that the survivors were retrieved from the river by residents who responded to the bang of the crash.
He said the female passenger had deep cuts in the body.
The Police Fire Brigade personnel who responded from the nearby Biiso town council in Buliisa district said they could not save the truck and its cargo.
Details of the vehicle and cargo ownership could not be established by press time but eye witnesses said it was carrying tins of paint.
Waaki River separates Hoima district from Buliisa district in the north-west.
