Fuel tanker fire kills over 20 people in western Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda

Over 20 people were killed and dozens of others injured as a fuel tanker caught fire in western Uganda on Sunday, police said.

According to the police, the fuel tanker caught fire in western Ruburizi district of Uganda when it was on its way from Kenya to Democratic Republic of Congo.

The fuel tanker reportedly got involved in the accident after its driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a stationary vehicle, which triggered fire.

“Apart from burning shops, stalls, and a market the fire also burnt two vehicles,” said Martial Tumusiime, police spokesman in the area.

He said the injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals and the dead bodies have been taken to the mortuary.