Three people on Friday lost their legs in an accident in which the lorry they were travelling overturned at Kitgum Matidi in Kitgum district.
Police said yesterday that 36 people were involved in the accident after the driver of the truck registration number UAF115W lost control.
Aswa region police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, identified the injured as Kenneth Obita a 20 year old resident of Pala parish who lost both legs, Ventorina Opira, a 45 year old who lost a leg and Amato Eveline 45, who also lost one leg.
Police said 36 people were seriously injured in the accident and are receiving treatment at Kitgum Referral hospital.
Police spokesman Jimmy Okema blamed the accident on overloading. He said the vehicle was carrying 88 people who were travelling for a clan meeting at Oriang Ojuma, in Labongo- Amida Sub County.
‘‘He was carrying a number of people in the lorry and definitely he could not control it,’’ Okema told journalists at the Northern Uganda Media Club in Gulu.
Police said the driver of the vehicle, Stephen Ouma, 43, is detained at Kitgum Central Police.
‘‘We are waiting to ascertain the number of people who were injured and get medical report before he [driver] is taken to court,’’ said Okema. ‘‘It should serve as an eye- opener to other drivers.’’
Okema said it is the duty of the driver to limit the number of people in their vehicles.
