by Nurat Uthman
The death toll following a fuel tanker explosion near the Ugandan capital Kampala last week has risen to 24, the government said Sunday.
The impoverished East African country has witnessed several similar disasters in recent years, with people rushing to steal fuel from tankers involved in road accidents.
The “devastating accident” on Tuesday in the town of Kigogwa, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Kampala, resulted in “11 reported dead at the scene”, said Communications Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga in a statement
He added that “13 more have since died in Kiruddu hospital and Bombo military hospital bringing the number to 24”.
“Since some of the dead were burnt beyond recognition, the police have been working tirelessly hard to identify the deceased through DNA testing,” he said.
The tanker had left the capital for Gulu in northern Uganda, a journey of some 650 kilometres (403 miles), but it overturned and burst into flames en route.
The driver is still at large, according to the government.
Several people remain in hospital, according to the broadcaster NTV.
The incident took place just days after a fuel tanker exploded in northern Nigeria on October 15, killing more than 170 people.
