At least 11 people, including two children, died after a fuel truck exploded near Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
The tragedy occurred when the truck overturned in a town outside the capital and subsequently exploded. Police spokesman Patrick Onyango reported that the victims were burned beyond recognition in the blast, which sent dark smoke billowing into the sky.
Video footage shared online showed people attempting to collect fuel from the overturned truck before the explosion, mirroring a similar incident in Nigeria last week that killed more than 140 people.
Despite warnings about the dangers, people often rush to gather fuel from damaged trucks, hoping to sell it later. This dangerous practice has led to numerous similar tragedies across East Africa. In 2019, at least 62 people died in Tanzania while attempting to siphon fuel from a damaged truck.
A particularly devastating incident occurred in South Sudan in 2015, where 183 people lost their lives when hundreds of villagers gathered around a fuel truck.
The police emphasized that this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with hazardous materials. These recurring incidents highlight the need for improved safety measures and public awareness across the region.