Kasangati, a town in Wakiso District, Uganda, was rocked by tragedy on Tuesday when a fuel tanker exploded, killing 11 people.
The explosion occurred in the early morning hours along Gayaza Road, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking concerns over public safety.
According to witnesses, the fuel tanker overturned while negotiating a sharp bend, spilling highly flammable fuel onto the road.
Some locals rushed to the scene in hopes of collecting fuel, despite warnings of the danger. Minutes later, the tanker ignited, leading to a massive explosion that engulfed several nearby vehicles and bystanders.
Rescue operations were quickly launched by police and emergency services, but the intense flames hampered initial efforts.
Firefighters eventually managed to contain the blaze, but the damage was already done. Eleven bodies were recovered, and several other victims were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe burns.
Preliminary reports suggest that the tanker may have been speeding, contributing to the accident.
Authorities are urging caution on the roads and advising citizens to avoid approaching fuel spills in the future to prevent such tragedies.
The explosion has left the Kasangati community in shock, with local leaders calling for improved road safety measures and better public awareness of the dangers posed by fuel spills.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
This incident is the latest in a series of tanker explosions that have raised concerns over Uganda’s road safety and the handling of hazardous materials.