KITGUM. At least 12 people, including a police officer, were injured when a vehicle on a test-drive crashed into a makeshift roadside market in Kitgum municipality.
The Monday evening crash occurred near the offices of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) between Pager River bridge and the Corner Ayul roundabout, on the Kitgum-Palabek road.
The Aswa River region police spokesman, Mr David Ongom Mudong, identified the driver as Emmanuel Can-ogura, 28, also a mechanic. Mr Ongom named those injured as police detective Cpl Samuel Eyoma, 40, Peace Akumu, 23, and Kevin Achayo, 18, both students of Kitgum Modern Vocational School.
Others are Margaret Akech, 38, Vicky Achiro, 36, Grace Auma, 32, Filda Amony, 35, Florence Adokorach, 28, Prisca Arwot, 13, Angel Aketowanga, 10, Faith Achola, and another girl identified only as Lanyero.
A medical source at Kitgum Hospital said Cpl Eyoma and another who suffered serious injuries would require operation on their right legs. The Pager Division chairman, Mr Oyoo said six of the victims with minor injuries had been discharged while seven others with serious injuries were still receiving medical attention at Kitgum Hospital.
Other sources said at the time of the accident, Can-ogura was test-driving the vehicle owned by a top army officer based at Pajimo military barracks in in Kitgum. Mr Can-ogura managed to land the car into a ditch and sneaked off to Kitgum Central Police Station where he handed himself over.
The popular makeshift market that mostly deals in fresh cassava and other perishable foods occupies the pedestrian walkway just before the Corner Ayul roundabout.
There have been several concerns by the public about the risks to pedestrians and motorists posed by the crowded makeshift market but nothing has been done about it by authorities.
