By Mmeeme Leticia Luwenze,
KAMPALA:
At least two UPDF officers have narrowly escaped death in an accident that happened today morning at about 7:19 when a led car Toyota Land Cruiser registration number H4DF inwhich they were travelling was smashed by a train locomotive registration number 73U20 in Kinawataka Kireka Wakiso district.
The soldiers are part of the vehicles attached to the convoy of the Deputy Defense Forces , LT Gen Peter ELWELU.
Eye witnesses say the UPDF vehicle driving at a lightening speed was attempting to flee after it knocked dead an unidentified city “boda-boda” rider who was transporting a woman that sustained with injuries.
The Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson ; Luke Owoyesigyire said police fire and rescue services with the help of the locals was able to retrive two occupants of the UPDF vehicle from the wrecked vehicle were rushed to Nakasero hospital in critical conditions. No death was registered.
The UPDF spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso has identified the two officers as Pte Oromaneca David and Pte Ochatre Jackson, both private officers in the force.
She applauded the locals, area leaders and the police who helped in evacuation of the accident victims.
“On behalf of the UPDF leadership, I wish to sincerely thank the residents of Kireka together with the Local leaders and Uganda Police who assisted in the evacuation of the victims in a timely manner”, Byekwaso said.
Byekwaso extended apologies to the members of the public who could have been mishandled in the process while trying to clear the scene for proper management.
Uganda Railway Corporation (URC) head of operations, Abuberkerer Ochaki confirmed to the incident stressing that the train was carrying over 700 passengers from Namanve in Wakiso District to Kampala before it collided with the
UPDF.
Ochaki blamed the accident on the driver of the lead car who ignored endless hooting from the train amidst red flag warnings from the railway level crossing.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
