The death toll in the Kagadi-Fortportal road crash has risen to 18 people. Two more victims passed away at Kagadi General Hospital on Monday morning, and another lost their life while being rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
The fatal accident occurred on at around 9 pm Sunday night near River Muzizi in Muhorro Town Council, Kagadi district.
It involved a trailer registration number UAD 431Q, loaded with fish, and a taxi registration number UBM 426V, which was travelling from Fort Portal to Kagadi district.
Fifteen people died on the spot. Preliminary investigations conducted by the police revealed that the trailer experienced a mechanical problem, leading to brake failure while navigating a sharp corner.
This resulted in a collision with the oncoming taxi. Police have since identified 14 of the accident victims as Jovia Tusiime (31) from Pacwa in Kagadi, Irene Abitekaniza (28) from Kyakabugaya, Rith Mbabazi (29) from Kagadi, Joyce Kubanza (24) from Kyatika, Kushabara Tuyramushanga (56) from Kinyarwanda, Agness Komujuni (22) from Fort Portal, Esther Aheebwa (29) from Kibito in Bunyangabo, Oliver Basemera (33) from Kyenjojo, and John Wako (29) from Kisaru in Kikuube district.
The others are Henry Kasaija (58) from Fort Portal, Agness Kebirungi (30) from Kabarole, Pius Bisoborwa (40) from Kikuube, Nuriat Ategeka (32) from Katika, and Coleb Baingana (27) from Nyakatunzi in Kasese district.
Three bodies remain unclaimed at the Kagadi General Hospital mortuary, and their identities have not yet been established.
Several injured individuals are still undergoing treatment at various health facilities. They include Itungu Peruth (60) from Kasese, Bwambale Kiwoma (44) from Kyabarungita in Kasese, and Peter Mudoore.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson, says that police have been working closely with the families of the deceased to identify and provide profiles for the accident victims.
The bodies that have been identified have been handed over to the respective families to make burial arrangements.