Abudul Katimbo, a resident of the area, says they first heard a gunshot around 4am before they saw huge flames forcing residents to run for their lives.
A fuel truck burst up in flames along Kampala-Jinja highway between Namwezi and Mbiko in Njeru Municipality Buikwe district in the wee hours of this morning.
According to information obtained by our reporter, the fuel truck burst in flames after a Local Defense Unit officer accidentally shot its tank while dispersing thieves who were siphoning fuel.
Abudul Katimbo, a resident of the area, says they first heard a gunshot around 4am before they saw huge flames forcing residents to run for their lives.
“We are lucky that the fire didn’t extend to houses and kiosks. We all ran for our lives. Despite calling police on time, they only arrived in the morning when the situation has normalized,” Katimbo said.
The Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, Hellen Butoto confirmed the fire incident, says the fire also gutted a Premio vehicle registration number UAH515D and motorcycle that had parked next to the truck.
Butoto says investigations are ongoing to establish the details of the truck whose registration number was burnt beyond recognition. She also says they are still hunting for the truck driver who hasn’t showed up yet.
Story by Ivan Kimbowa
