19 dead in Ugandan fuel tanker fire

The tanker lost its control and knocked a few vehicles that were parked on the side of the road. It overturned and immediately caught the fire.

Rubirizi: At least 19 people were killed in an explosion following an accident involving a fuel tanker in western Uganda.

Uganda police said that the explosion happened on Sunday after a fuel tanker lost control and rammed two commuter taxis and a saloon car. Three smaller secondary explosions" of vehicles parked nearby followed, and several shops also caught fire.

Lethal traffic accidents frequently happen in the region, where roads are often narrow and potholed.

Firefighters and emergency rescue workers were fighting the blaze to put it out.

Firefighter battling to control the blaze in Kyamburua on Sunday

Ugandan police usually blame motor accidents on speeding drivers.

Accidents involving fuel tankers are especially dangerous as sometimes people gather around the damaged vehicles to scoop fuel into plastic cans.

Scores were killed in Tanzania earlier in August when a damaged fuel tanker exploded as people swarmed around it.