In a devastating road accident earlier Saturday, one German tourist lost his life, and two others sustained injuries on the Kabale-Mbarara highway. The incident occurred around 09:00hrs at Kabaraga village, Kyanamira sub-county, when a speeding lorry collided with a tourist vehicle heading towards Kampala.
The deceased has been identified as Dr. Wendsche Ralf Steffen, a 58-year-old tourist from Germany. The tragic incident unfolded when a green Toyota Land Cruiser, carrying the tourists from Bwindi Gorilla Valley to Kampala, was struck by a speeding Fuso lorry with registration number UBH009B at Kabaraga corner. The lorry attempted to overtake another vehicle from the Mbarara side, resulting in a collision with the tourist vehicle and the fatal outcome.
Among the injured are Silk Venus, a 48-year-old German tourist, and Nyombi Morgan, a 60-year-old driver from Kibo Slopes Uganda Limited. The injured were swiftly transported to Kabale Referral Hospital for immediate medical attention, while Dr. Steffen's body was sent to the hospital's mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The Regional Police Commander of Kigezi, ACP Saiga Ibrahim, along with other officials, visited the scene for documentation. The involved vehicles, the green Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Fuso lorry are currently under police custody at Kabale Police Station pending further investigation by the authorities.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi regional police spokesperson, expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. He highlighted ongoing investigations into the matter, stating, "The nation mourns the loss of Dr. Steffen and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured."
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations. The community and the nation at large extend their thoughts and prayers to the affected families during this difficult time.
