The number of people killed in the fire of a fuel tank in Kighuguva has increased to 24 people

The death toll from Tuesday’s fuel tanker explosion at Kigugwa on the Kampala-Gulu road in Wakiso district has risen to 24, Ugandan police have confirmed.

Uganda Police Health Director, Assistant Inspector General of Police Dr Moses Byaruhanga said on Sunday that the latest report shows that of the 24 victims, at least 18 are male while six are female.

“The remains we have recovered from the scene are 11 and three feet of children, that is two bodies. Out of these 24 victims, only three were minors,” said Dr Byaruhanga during a press briefing at the city morgue in Kampala. .

The remains found at the scene were burned beyond recognition, so DNA testing was required to identify the victims.

Fortunately, DNA results matched all of the victims’ samples, allowing authorities to release the bodies to their families.

“The results were released yesterday and they are pretty good, all the samples matched the victims and the bodies will be handed over to the families if they come forward,” explained Dr Byaruhanga.

The victims who died at Kiruddu Hospital were easily identified and handed over to their relatives for burial. Authorities coordinated with the Bombo Military Hospital to release the bodies of the victims.

Police are still looking for the driver of the fuel truck, who is on the run.

Minister of State for ICT and National Consultation Godfrey Kabbianga appealed to the public to provide information on the driver’s whereabouts.

“We have appealed to the Uganda Revenue Authority for information on the ownership of the car,” Kabbyanga said, announcing that the affected families would receive 5 million shillings for lost loved ones and Sh1 million for those receiving treatment.

According to preliminary information, the fire broke out from a coal stove at the scene. “The reports we still have are that the fire was started by a charcoal stove which was at the crime scene at the time of the incident,” said Luke Owoyesigire, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman.