Victims of a tragic fuel tanker explosion in Kigogwa Town along the Kampala-Bombo Road in Uganda were burned beyond recognition, police have announced.
“The identities of those affected have not yet been established,” said SSP Patrick Onyango, the Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
“Many of the victims have been burned beyond recognition,” he added.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when a fuel tanker overturned and caught fire.
Police said the fire claimed the lives of 11 people, including 9 adults and 2 minors.
However, area residents said the death toll could rise above 20 as more people were last night pronounced dead in neighbouring clinics.
The fuel tanker, with registration number UAM 292Q, was traveling from Kampala to Gulu when the accident occurred.
People who rushed to siphon fuel from the tanker were the most affected.
Four buildings housing nine shops were destroyed in the blaze, resulting in properties worth millions of shillings being lost.
The injured were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Onyango said Police were conducting a fact-finding mission to confirm the number of injured persons from the health facilities.
“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents. We urge the public to exercise caution when dealing with hazardous materials,” he added.
On Wednesday morning, local leaders and dozens of people were seen gathering at the horrifying scene.
Fuel tanker accidents in Uganda have tragically led to numerous fatalities, particularly during incidents where individuals attempt to siphon fuel from overturned or leaking tankers.
For instance, in a single incident in June 2013, at least 40 people died when they gathered to siphon fuel from a leaking tanker that subsequently exploded.
The tendency to gather for free fuel is often seen in low-income areas, where residents may resort to siphoning as a means of survival
