The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A team of police officers led by the bomb squad was Monday dispatched to the scene of Sunday’s devastating taxi fire in Jinja city, which left two people dead on the spot. The team, led by Kiira regional police commander Charles Nsaba, is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
The bomb squad was observed on Monday extracting samples from the wreckage and reviewing social media videos taken at the scene to gather evidence. They also interacted with eyewitnesses who provided crucial information about the incident and their efforts to rescue occupants from the flames.
The tragic event involved a taxi with the registration number UBA 463V, which was engulfed in flames, resulting in the deaths of a suspected grandmother and her approximately three-year-old grandson. Another occupant, identified as Angela Nanfuna, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.
Survivor Fatuma Byobona, who is currently receiving treatment at Jinja Referral Hospital’s emergency ward, recounted hearing a loud blast similar to a bullet sound from the rear of the vehicle. Before the driver could stop to assess the situation, the taxi was already ablaze. Byobona managed to survive by covering her upper body with a blanket, sustaining only manageable injuries.
Eria Mukasa, another survivor, described how onlookers tried to alert the driver about visible flames in the exhaust pipe. However, as the driver attempted to park, his door wouldn’t open. The conductor assured the driver that everything was fine, only for the vehicle to burst into flames, trapping the passengers inside.
Mukasa noted that the exits were locked, forcing everyone to compete for the co-driver’s door, which was impeded by heavy smoke, contributing to the fatalities.
Motor vehicle engineer Wycliffe Ironde speculated that the fire could have resulted from the use of incompatible fluids.
He suggested that the petrol station attendant might have mistakenly refueled the diesel vehicle with petrol, leading to the explosion. Kiira regional police spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the involvement of the bomb squad and other experts, including forensic specialists and detectives, in the investigation.
Mubi emphasized that the cause of the blast remains unknown, necessitating a comprehensive examination of the evidence. Mubi also mentioned that the whereabouts of many survivors are still unknown, though four were taken to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.
With one more person succumbing to their injuries, the total number of deceased has risen to three.
Autopsies are underway, and efforts to locate the relatives of the deceased for proper burial arrangements are ongoing. This tragic incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Uganda Police to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
***
URN
