Three people are feared dead after an Isuzu Elf truck transporting maize plunged into the fast-flowing waters of the Nile at Karuma Bridge on Monday evening, police and the Ministry of Works and Transport have confirmed.
The accident occurred at about 7:00pm as the truck was traveling from Gulu toward Kiryandongo District. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle had been stopped by police at a roadblock near Karuma Junction but failed to comply and instead sped through the barricade.
Moments later, the truck lost control at the bridge and plunged approximately seven metres into the river below.
Ms Susan Kataike, the Head of Communications at the Ministry of Works and Transport, said initial assessments indicate that the structural integrity of Karuma Bridge remains intact.
“No structural damage has been noticed on the bridge. Only about six metres of the guard rails were deformed,” Kataike said, adding that the truck appears to be lodged against a bridge pier in the river.
The vehicle was reportedly transporting maize from Lela Obaro in Bobi Sub-county, Nwoya District, to Kololo in Kiryandongo District. Police say several occupants were on board at the time of the accident. One body has so far been recovered, while search efforts continue for others believed to be missing.
Addressing concerns about the safety of the bridge and its approach roads, the Ministry of Works said existing safety measures include speed humps, rumble strips extending over 300 metres on each side, road signage, and reinforced guardrails.
“The structural and safety status is okay,” Kataike explained. “Isolated cases of errant truck drivers who do not follow speed calming guidelines are bound to result in such incidents.”
She further noted that preliminary indications suggest the truck may have been overloaded, causing a counter-moment that lifted it over the reinforced concrete parapet wall. This assessment, however, is still under investigation.
Authorities have urged motorists, especially heavy truck drivers, to strictly observe traffic regulations to avoid similar tragedies as investigations into the incident continue.
