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14 killed in crash on deadly Ugandan highway

AFP WORLD
Published September 18,2017
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Fourteen people were killed when a truck ploughed into a bus carrying a group returning from a wedding on Uganda's deadliest road, police said Monday.

"The driver of the truck lost control after a tyre burst and smashed into a bus, killing 14 people and leaving 17 others seriously injured," police spokesman Phillip Mukasa told AFP.

"Of those who died, 12 have been identified as Tanzanian nationals who were returning to Tanzania after attending a wedding ceremony in Kampala."

The accident took place on the notorious 130-kilometre (80-mile) Kampala-Masaka road, a gateway to Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last year the government launched operation "Fika Salama" -- Swahili for "Arrive safely" -- in a bid to reduce fatalities on what has been dubbed the world's deadliest highway.

The accidents are attributed to poor roadwork, vehicles in bad condition, dangerous driving and even witchcraft.

According to Uganda police, 382 people have died in accidents on the road since May.