This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On Sunday evening, a fuel tanker burst into flames in Kyambura trading centre, Rubirizi District, western Uganda, claiming the lives of nine people and leaving dozens unaccounted for.
According to Ms Harriet Nabukenya, the Rubirizi District Resident District Commissioner, the driver of the fuel truck lost control and collided with two commuter taxis parked on the roadside, causing the subsequent explosion and fire.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing dozens of houses and shops, including nearly 40 retail and wholesale shops, as reported by Ms Nabukenya.
Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura town is home to approximately 2,000 people, according to Mr Sylvester Agubanshongerera, the Rubirizi District chairperson.
Among the victims was Mr Onesmus Nkesiga, whose shop was destroyed, resulting in losses of Ush20 million (approximately Sh560,000).
Firefighters arrived at the scene approximately one hour later, managing to salvage some items from several shops.
