Kampala, (UG): The Police at Natete Division in collaboration with the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services have swiftly responded to a fire outbreak after a fuel tank exploded and burst into flames along the Masanafu-Busega Northern By-pass on Wednesday evening.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the report this evening saying the incident occurred today (Wednesday), October 18, 2023, at approximately 16:04 hrs.
According to Mr Owoyesigyire, the fuel tanker involved in the fire incident of registration numbers KBL 022A and ZD 3482 was driven by Ismail Umar, a 27-year-old Kenyan national.
“While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, our dedicated officers responded promptly to the scene. The Fire and Rescue Services team has managed to contain the fire, and efforts are ongoing to fully extinguish it,” said Mr Owoyesigyire in a police statement on Wednesday evening.
The Deputy KMP spokesperson added that police are doing whatever possible to restore movement along the busy highway and assured road users that at least one lane is open for use at the moment.
“We would like to reassure road users who depend on the by-pass that one lane is currently open and usable for motorists, ensuring minimal disruption.”
Mr Owoyesigyire also stated that concerned authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire, and findings will be communicated in due course.
“We would like to praise the coordinated efforts of all personnel involved and we urge the public to remain patient and cooperative during this time.”