Written By | Our Reporter
Preliminary findings show that the vehicle was moving at high speed when it hit a hippopotamus that was crossing the road
Search
Rubirizi
Police in Rubirizi District are investigating a serious road traffic accident involving a motor vehicle and a hippopotamus that occurred on Friday night at Katunguru Bridge along the Ishaka–Kasese Highway.
The accident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. when a Toyota Wish, registration number UBN 509N, travelling from Ishaka towards Kasese, knocked a hippopotamus that was crossing the road near the bridge.
According to police, the impact left the vehicle extensively damaged and injured its occupants, whose identities had not been established by press time. The injured victims were rushed to Kasese Hospital for medical attention.
The Greater Bushenyi Sub-region Police spokesperson, Apollo Tayebwa, said preliminary investigations indicate that over-speeding was the likely cause of the accident.
“Preliminary findings show that the vehicle was moving at high speed when it hit a hippopotamus that was crossing the road. The occupants sustained injuries and were immediately taken to Kasese Hospital,” Tayebwa said.
He added that police are working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to establish how the wild animal accessed the road.
“We are liaising with UWA authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The vehicle has been towed to Katunguru Police Station to aid ongoing investigations,” Tayebwa noted.
Tayebwa confirmed that the hippopotamus died on the spot as a result of the incident.
Police have warned motorists to exercise extra caution, especially on highways that pass through wildlife-prone areas.
“Drivers are urged to adhere to speed limits and remain vigilant, particularly at night and in areas known for wildlife crossings, to prevent such accidents,” Tayebwa cautioned.
Torch Media Africa
