NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI—Eleven people died on the spot when a transit goods truck collided with a commuter taxi at Rusumo Trading Centre along the Kigali- Gatuna highway on Monday night.

The truck bearing registration number 04 BA 0966 loaded with bags of cement, was heading to Bujumbura in Burundi from Kasese in Western Uganda, while the taxi (RAA855V) was transporting students of Kigali Independent University (ULK) when the accident occurred at about 10.30 p.m.

According to the Byumba Traffic Police, the truck driver Janvier Mfitiye, a Burundi national, lost control and left his lane before colliding head on with the minibus.

"The driver of the transit truck was reportedly asleep when the vehicle rammed into the minibus and destroying two nearby buildings along the road,” said the Police source.

The dead include three women and seven men, all students of ULK and the commuter taxi’s turn boy only identified as Uwimana.

Police identified the dead as Martin Bizimana, Simeon Karambizi, Domina Nyirahabumugisha, Shihire Nyabuhoro, Prosper Ruzibiza, Manasseh Rwatangabo, Josephine Mujanimana, Narcisse Twagirimana, Eliezel Ntawuruhunga and Jovite Rutayisire.

The driver of the commuter taxi Elie Gasore and a student of ULK Prosper Nkamubudutwa survived but are still in critical conditions.

They have been admitted to the Byumba Hospital. 

The Gicumbi district Police Commander, Superintendent Albert Ndatsikira, said the truck driver is currently being held at Byumba Police station, pending further investigations.

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