KAMPALA
A truck driver escaped death on Friday after a Sino truck collided with a Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) locomotive at the Nsambya Road railway level crossing in Kampala, overturning the vehicle and spilling concrete onto an oncoming car.
The crash occurred at about 12:20pm near the Nsambya subway as Locomotive 7325 travelled from Nalukolongo Railway Workshop to the Kampala train yard, according to URC.
The corporation said traffic on both sides of the crossing had been halted to allow the train to pass under the guidance of a level crossing guard.
However, the driver of the Sino truck, registration number UBS 344H, allegedly approached the crossing at high speed and attempted to beat the train despite instructions from the crossing guard.
“The irresponsible action resulted into a collision with the oncoming locomotive, damaging its rear,” URC said.
The impact overturned the truck, spilling concrete onto an oncoming Toyota Land Cruiser and causing panic among motorists and pedestrians in the busy area.
Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene and started clearing the wreckage to restore traffic flow along the road.
Authorities said no fatalities were recorded in the accident, although it was not immediately clear whether there were serious injuries.
The damaged truck was later towed to Uganda Railway Police Headquarters for further processing and investigations.
URC urged motorists to exercise caution at railway crossings and obey instructions issued by crossing guards.
The corporation also appealed to road users to drive responsibly and avoid actions that endanger the lives of other people.
