Jinja train accident paralyses traffic in city

Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Traffic was paralysed along Engineer Zhikusoka road on Sunday night in Jinja city following a collision involving a train registration number 73U 33 and cargo truck registration UAR 728E.

The accident occurred at the railway crossing line blocking vehicles from crossing from either side. Eyewitnesses told URN that the incident occurred at around 8:30 pm when the truck driver failed to stop for the train to cross.

The train that was ferrying heavy construction equipment collided with the truck and swerved off the rail line affecting the smooth flow of traffic.  The diver of the truck that was ferrying cassava flour from Jinja city to Busia town fled into hiding.

Richard Okello, a driver who witnessed the accident, says that the truck driver ignored the warning from the train and forced his way to the crossing line and bumped into the train.

Hussein Mondo, a motorist w in Jinja city says despite the warning signposts and hooting signals from the trains, Engineer Zhikusoka is busy throughout the day, saying there is a need for Uganda railways cooperation-URC of deploying some staff at the railway crossing to alert motorists with flags.

Mohammed Basalirwa, another driver says there is a need for the authorities to create temporary barricades for use whenever the training is crossing.

URC officials declined to comment on the matter. A traffic police officer told URN on condition of anonymity that the truck driver was overspeeding when he lost control and bumped into the train.  At least three accidents have been registered at the same spot this year.

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URN