What started as a normal journey from Kampala to Mbale has ended in unimaginable tragedy after a YY Coaches bus rammed off the road and caught fire near Makindu Trading Centre in Najja Sub-county, Buikwe District, along the Njeru–Katosi Road.
The bus, registration number UAV 702J, is believed to have been carrying over 60 passengers when it overturned multiple times around 5pm before bursting into flames. By press time, at least 30 people are feared dead, with eyewitnesses reporting seeing bodies trapped in the blazing wreckage.
“I heard loud screams, then a huge bang followed by thick smoke. The whole bus was engulfed in fire,” said one shaken resident who rushed to the scene moments after the crash.
Eyewitnesses say some passengers were seen trying to crawl out of the wreckage, while others remained stuck inside, their cries growing fainter with the rising flames.
Emergency services, including police and fire brigades, have arrived at the scene and are working desperately to rescue survivors and put out the fire.
The exact cause of the accident is still unknown, but survivors who managed to escape the bus claim it was speeding before the driver lost control. Authorities are yet to release an official statement.
YY Coaches has not yet issued a comment on the tragedy.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
