At least eight people, including a journalist from NBS Television, have been killed in a tragic road accident along the Mbarara–Lyantonde highway in Kiruhura District.
According to police, the fatal crash occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, at around 6:30pm at Kibega 1 Village, involving a Toyota Hiace (UBQ 016U) and a Mercedes Benz Actros trailer (KDQ 668L/ZH 5133).
Police preliminary findings indicate that the Toyota Hiace, which was travelling from Mbarara to Lyantonde, attempted to overtake from a corner and collided head-on with the oncoming trailer that was travelling in the opposite direction.
“The driver of the Toyota Hiace overtook from a corner and ended up colliding with the trailer which was in its rightful lane,” said SP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson.
All the fatalities were occupants of the Toyota Hiace. One survivor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Police said that four bodies were still trapped inside the wreckage by press time, as rescue teams continued efforts to retrieve them. Identification of the deceased was also still ongoing.
SP Kasasira confirmed that reckless driving was the likely cause of the accident.
News of the crash sent shockwaves through the media fraternity after confirmation that one of the victims was a journalist with NBS TV, further deepening the national grief over rising road fatalities.
Police have once again urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on highways, warning that dangerous overtaking and speeding continue to claim lives.
Investigations into the accident are ongoing.
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