Sorrow as 13 People Returning from Wedding Ceremony Die in Grisly Road Accident
- Magombe village in Busia district is mourning the loss of 13 people who died in a tragic road accident on May 17 while returning from a traditional wedding ceremony
- Among the deceased were five members of a single family, while they all came from the same clan
- Sipi Regional Police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang confirmed the accident and attributed it to overloading and possible speeding
A cloud of grief has engulfed Magombe village in Busia district, Uganda, after 13 people perished in a tragic road accident.
Source: Getty Images
The crash occurred along the Kapchorwa–Mbale Road in Kaserem county on May 17.
According to reports, the vehicle was carrying members of the Abakwala Clan from Magombe village, who had attended a traditional wedding ceremony in Kapchorwa District.
Joseph Wanyama, an elder from Busia, confirmed that out of the 13 deceased, five were members of a single family.
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What caused Uganda crash that killed 13 people?
According to a report by Daily Monitor, the Toyota Hiace they were travelling in lost control and overturned multiple times.
The accident occurred at around 9pm. Eight people died on the spot, while five others—who were rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital—succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
“My sister, who was representing our family at the wedding, died. We were waiting for her to return, only to receive the worst news,” said Michael Okurut, who lost a relative in the crash.
Sipi Regional Police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang, who confirmed the fatal crash, said the vehicle was overloaded and likely speeding.
He added that the police were investigating the possibility of brake failure or reckless driving as potential causes of the accident.
“Statements from survivors will be crucial in the investigations,” Chesang said.
The police spokesperson warned drivers against speeding and overloading, stressing the need for discipline on the road.
He also emphasised that Kapchorwa's hilly terrain required extreme caution while driving.
Netizens condole bereaved Ugandan families
Following the tragic road accident, social media users expressed their shock and grief. Many offered condolences to the affected families, while others called for road safety awareness and divine protection.
Dorcas Wawire:
“Whenever celebrations occur—especially weddings—most partakers become excessively jovial, often forgetting the risks. It’s heartbreaking when such joy ends in the loss of loved ones.”
Kenneth Mburugu:
“Thirteen is a very big number... wah, may God have mercy.”
Mum Uche:
“Dear God, protect us from such tragedies. We pray for Your mercy. My deepest sympathies.”
Fred Weke:
“Quite sad. May the departed souls rest in peace.”
Everline Maiyo:
“Ooh God, protect our roads in Jesus’ name.”
Rosyline Kundu:
“So sad. Condolences to the affected families.”
4 people killed in road crash while coming from wedding in Tanzania
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that four people perished in Dodoma, Tanzania, while returning home from a wedding ceremony.
According to reports, the ill-fated bus carrying the family members collided head-on with a fuel tanker, leading to the fatalities.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander George Katabazi, while confirming the incident, revealed that it occurred at midnight on August 31, 2024, in the Manchali area of Chamwino district.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
