One burnt to death as Kenyan fuel tanker bursts into flames in Tororo

One person was burnt to ashes on Tuesday when a fuel tanker burst into flames after it rammed into an electricity pole and the wall of the World Program store opposite Uganda College of Commerce in Tororo, eastern Uganda.

Eyewitnesses say the Kenyan fuel tanker, registration number, KAV 967Z/ ZB 7063 was being chased by traffic officers in a salon vehicle when it rammed into the electricity pole and burst into huge flames. The truck driver is believed to have escaped with serious injuries leaving behind his passenger who was trapped in the wreckage.

The fire incident disrupted traffic along the busy Malaba-Jinja Highway for over three hours. Officers from the police fire and rescue services battled the fire and fought off residents who had rushed to the scene with jerry cans to draw fuel from the truck. 

Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson, Moses Mugwe blamed the accident on speeding and recklessness by the truck driver.