The taxi wreckage after the fire
Three people were reportedly killed after a commuter taxi went up in flames along Clive Road East in the Southern Division of Jinja city, eastern Uganda.
The incident involved a commuter taxi, registration number, UBA 463B, which had 18 passengers and departed from the Jinja taxi park en route to Mbale city around 4:40 pm. The taxi was fueled along Clive Road East at around 4:55 pm and shortly after, approximately 100 meters from the petrol station, the vehicle reportedly burst into heavy flames.
The tragic event resulted in three individuals being burned beyond recognition, while others sustained serious injuries and have been admitted to Jinja regional referral hospital for further treatment.
Local residents attempted to control the blaze using water and small fire extinguishers, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful. Aaron Musoke, a passerby, reported hearing a loud blast from the vehicle and witnessing survivors leaping from the flaming taxi through various windows.
Maria Nakimbugwe, a boutique operator, recounted that the entire incident unfolded in less than 10 minutes, rendering it difficult for even the police fire brigade, located just about 200 meters from the scene, to make a significant impact despite responding in time.
Kiira Central police commander Innocent Mubangizi cordoned off the scene, retrieved the deceased, and transported them to the Jinja hospital mortuary for postmortem.
Meanwhile, Kiira Regional police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details, citing the ongoing investigation by detectives examining evidence from the scene.