By Spy Uganda
Three people died instantly and 16 others were seriously injured on Thursday night after a truck carrying mourners overturned in Agwila village, Adwari Sub-county in Otuke District.
The 8 p.m. accident involved a green and white Isuzu truck, registration number UBR 316D, which was transporting mourners returning to Lira City from a burial.
The deceased have been identified as Sarah Akello, 30, Jasper Omara, 27, and Geoffrey Odur, 25, all residents of Lira City.
According to the Patrick Jimmy Okema, preliminary investigations indicate that the crash was caused by human error, with the driver allegedly speeding and using a mobile phone at the time.
“The driver lost control and the vehicle overturned, killing three people instantly. We have established that he was overspeeding and distracted by his phone at the time of the crash,” Okema said.
The 16 injured victims were rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Orum Health Centre IV mortuary for postmortem examination.
Police said the driver fled the scene and remains on the run, urging him to surrender to assist with ongoing investigations.
Traffic officers visited the scene and documented the crash site as the wreckage remained at the location pending towing. Statements will also be recorded from survivors once their condition stabilises to support the case file.
Authorities have renewed warnings against reckless driving, especially overspeeding and use of mobile phones, which they say continue to cause avoidable road tragedies.
