By Frank Kamuntu
A police officer has died and three others sustained injuries in a tragic road accident that occurred early this morning along the Mutukula–Kyotera highway.
According to a police statement, the crash happened at around 4:00 AM at Kasanvu, when a speeding Mercedes-Benz trailer (registration numbers T824 DXF/T529 EFJ) rammed into a stationary police Land Cruiser (registration number UP 2914 T) that was parked near a checkpoint with officers on board.
Eyewitnesses said the trailer, which was traveling in the same direction, lost control and crashed into the parked police vehicle before coming to rest on top of it.
Police confirmed that the driver of the police vehicle died instantly, while three other officers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Investigations revealed that the trailer was being driven by the turn-man, while the actual driver was resting at the time of the accident. The turn-man was immediately apprehended, while a manhunt is underway for the main driver, who fled the scene after the crash.
Authorities have since issued a strong warning to truck drivers, urging them to observe speed limits, especially during the night when visibility is low. The statement further condemned the dangerous practice of allowing untrained turn-men to operate heavy vehicles.
“We strongly urge all road users, particularly truck drivers, to adhere to speed limits, exercise extra caution during night hours, and stop the practice of training turn-men on the job. Allowing unqualified individuals to drive endangers lives,” the police statement read.
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