A devastating explosion of a fuel truck near a highway in Uganda on Tuesday has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, according to local police reports. The incident unfolded when the truck overturned in a town situated just outside Kampala, the capital city. Police spokesman Patrick Onyango stated that a large cloud of dark smoke could be seen rising from the site of the explosion, indicating the severity of the situation.
Eyewitness footage shared online depicted a chaotic scene, showing individuals attempting to scoop up fuel from the overturned truck moments before the explosion occurred. This dangerous practice has unfortunately become common, despite the inherent risks. The incident recalls a recent tragedy in Nigeria, where over 140 people, including children, lost their lives due to a similar explosion linked to fuel collection.
Authorities have expressed concern over the tendency of individuals to disregard warnings and rush to collect fuel from damaged trucks, often in hopes of selling it for profit. This perilous behavior poses significant risks not only to those involved but also to the surrounding community.
Such tragic events have a history in East Africa. For instance, in 2019, a catastrophic incident in Tanzania resulted in the deaths of at least 62 people who were attempting to siphon fuel from an overturned truck. Additionally, in South Sudan in 2015, at least 183 lives were lost when villagers gathered around a fuel truck to collect fuel, highlighting the recurring dangers associated with fuel collection from damaged vehicles.
In response to this incident, authorities continue to emphasize the need for public awareness regarding the dangers of collecting fuel from overturned or damaged trucks, urging individuals to prioritize safety and heed warnings to avoid further tragedies.