Three people have died and four others were rushed to hospital after a vehicle hit an elephant crossing the road along the boundary of Murchison Falls National Park on Sunday evening.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed the accident took place on the Karuma to Pakwach road on the night of May 24. The vehicle, registration number UA 20121AA, struck the elephant as it crossed the road. The impact proved fatal for three of those on board.
Police transported the four survivors to Kiryandongo Hospital for treatment. The bodies of the three who died were taken to Anaka Hospital. The names of those involved have not yet been released.
“Motorists travelling through Protected Areas are strongly advised to drive cautiously, as wild animals frequently cross the roads”. UWA said in the press release.
Investigations into what caused the accident are now under way. The authority did not share further details on vehicle speed, time of impact, or the condition of the elephant.
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. Elephants, buffaloes and other large animals regularly move across roads that pass through or border the park, and encounters like this one are a known risk for drivers, particularly after dark.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority offered its condolences to the families of those who died and wished a full recovery to the injured.
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