Kiryandongo: At least 63 people have died in a horrific multi-vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning in Kiryandongo District along the Kampala–Gulu Highway. Several others were critically injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.

The accident took place around 12:15 a.m. near Kitaleba Village, close to Asili Farm. Police say the collision involved two passenger buses, a Toyota Surf, and a Tata lorry. Preliminary reports indicate that the Nile Star bus, traveling from Kampala to Gulu, attempted to overtake the lorry while the Planet Company bus, coming from the opposite direction, tried to overtake the Toyota Surf. The buses collided head-on during these maneuvers, triggering a chain reaction with the other vehicles.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Kiryandongo Hospital for postmortem examinations and identification. Authorities described the highway as narrow and high-traffic, a factor that contributes to frequent accidents.

The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has called on drivers to exercise caution, avoid risky overtaking, and adhere to speed limits. Officials also extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

This crash is among the deadliest road accidents in recent Ugandan history, highlighting the urgent need for stricter road safety measures and increased driver awareness.