Tragedy struck on Sunday evening when a Mbale-bound taxi caught fire shortly after departing from Jinja City taxi park, resulting in the deaths of two passengers.
The taxi, registered as UBA 463V and carrying approximately 12 passengers, caught fire near the junction of Clive Road East and Iganga Road, just moments after departure. Eyewitnesses reported the incident occurred around 4:45 PM.
James Okello, an eyewitness, described seeing the taxi moving erratically with an abnormal-sounding engine. “Barely 30 seconds later, the taxi stopped, and the driver alighted from it as it was engulfed in flames,” Okello recounted. “People tried to rescue some of the passengers, but unfortunately, two people died on the spot.”
Alidina Road LC1 chairman, Vine Ssemaganda, criticized the driver for reportedly fleeing the scene without allowing passengers to exit, suggesting he was unaware of the vehicle’s mechanical issues. However, boda boda rider Muzamil Mugodha defended the driver, noting that sometimes car owners neglect to service their vehicles despite being informed of their poor condition.
Bystanders and the police fire brigade, led by District Police Commander Innocent Mubangizi, responded swiftly to the scene. Detectives are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Mr. Mubangizi declined to comment to the press.
The deceased were transported to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary, while the injured passengers received treatment at the same facility.
