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Three people were confirmed dead after a commuter taxi caught fire along Clive Road East in the Southern Division of Jinja City. The incident involved a commuter taxi with registration number UBA 463B, which departed from Jinja taxi park en route to Mbale City around 4:40 PM.
The taxi was refueled at a petrol station along Clive Road East at approximately 4:55 PM. Shortly after refueling, about 100 meters from the petrol station, the vehicle burst into flames. Three individuals were burned beyond recognition, while others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Local residents attempted to control the blaze using water and small fire extinguishers, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful. Aaron Musoke, a passerby, reported hearing a loud blast from the vehicle and witnessing survivors leaping from the flaming taxi through various windows.
Maria Nakimbugwe, a boutique operator, recounted that the entire incident unfolded in less than 10 minutes, making it challenging for the police fire brigade, located about 200 meters away, to make a significant impact despite responding promptly within 10 minutes.
Innocent Mubangizi, Kiira Central Division Police Commander, cordoned off the scene, retrieved the deceased, and transported them to the mortuary at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination. Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details, citing an ongoing investigation by detectives analyzing evidence from the scene