AT LEAST 63 people have died after two buses smashed head on causing a four vehicle pile-up on a busy highway.
The buses were travelling in opposite directions before they “met head on” while both attempting to overtake a car and a lorry in Uganda, police confirmed.
As one of the buses reportedly swerved across the road to try and avoid crashing it collided with the other packed coach.
Both were full of passengers at the time.
The crash caused a “chain reaction” as both buses were left smashed up on the highway as other cars came past and overturned as they tried to avoid the carnage.
Dozens of others were found injured by the roadside when emergency officials arrived at the scene in Kitaleba village.
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Police say they fear the number of casualties may still increase due to the severity of some of the injuries.
The massive traffic incident took place on the Kampala-Gulu Highway at 00:15am local time, according to the Uganda Police Force.
Both buses were operated by separate companies frequently used in Uganda.
One was from Planet Company and the other a Nile Star bus.
The other two vehicles badly damaged in the crash were a Toyota and a Tata lorry truck, according to a police report.
An investigation has been launched into the exact cause of the crash.
Director of Traffic and Road Safety for the Uganda Police Force, Kananura Michael, said the deadly accident must be a reminder of the dangers of overtaking on busy roads.
He said in a statement: “As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”
