A serious traffic accident in Rukiga District has prompted an ongoing police investigation into the events that led to significant property damage and personal injuries. The incident involved a motor vehicle that collided with a permanent residence, damaged three nearby kiosks, and injured one occupant.
The accident took place on Sunday around 12:35 PM in Rwabahazi Cell, situated along the Ntungamo-Kabale highway. The vehicle involved was a white Mercedes Benz Actros bearing the registration number RAG 876S/RL 6264.
Samuel, a 29-year-old resident of Rwabahazi Cell in Muhanga Town Council, sustained injuries as a result of the crash. The driver of the vehicle, Yves Rutagambwa, a 27-year-old Rwandan from Kibagaba Cell in Kasaba Akarere Sub-county, Kigali, was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The vehicle was traveling from Ntungamo towards Kigali when approaching a sharp bend in Rwabahazi. The driver lost control of the Mercedes Benz Actros at this critical point, causing it to veer off the highway. The vehicle subsequently rammed into a permanent house, demolished three kiosks, and struck several Celtec mobile network wooden poles along the highway.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly. The damaged vehicle was towed to the Rukiga Central Police Station for further inspection. Meanwhile, Samuel was transported to Rotom Health Center to receive medical treatment for his injuries.
Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that reckless driving was the main cause of the accident, with speeding identified as a significant contributing factor, especially given the sharpness of the corner where the crash occurred. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent similar occurrences.
Residents and commuters along the Ntungamo-Kabale highway are reminded to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution, particularly in areas with challenging road conditions.