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Three people lost their lives and four others were injured when their vehicle collided with an elephant in Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda, authorities confirmed on Monday. The incident occurred Sunday evening as a Toyota Hiace minibus, traveling from Arua city to Kampala, struck an elephant crossing the road and subsequently lost control.
Police reported that three passengers died at the scene, while four others, including the driver, sustained injuries. The minibus was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority. No updates have been provided regarding the elephant’s condition.
This tragic event highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflicts in the region, as expanding human populations increasingly encroach on protected wildlife habitats. Both the police and the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving through national parks, especially at night, and to adhere strictly to speed limits to prevent similar accidents.
The UWA noted that speeding vehicles continue to pose a significant threat to wildlife, estimating that approximately three animals are killed daily by traffic incidents within Murchison Falls National Park alone. Road accidents remain a frequent concern across East Africa, underscoring the need for greater awareness and safety measures in areas where humans and wildlife coexist.