A devastating road crash near the Karuma section of the Gulu-Kampala Highway has reportedly claimed the lives of three Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff members after their vehicle collided with an elephant that crossed onto the road.
The tragic incident happened near the roaring Karuma waters, an area widely known for wildlife movement from the nearby national park.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the URA officials were travelling in a white passenger van when an elephant suddenly emerged onto the highway.
The driver reportedly failed to avoid the animal, leading to a violent collision that left the vehicle extensively damaged and 3 URA officials believed to have died on spot .
Witnesses at the scene described terrifying moments immediately after the impact, with travellers and nearby residents rushing toward the wrecked van as emergency responders were alerted.
The elephant was also reportedly left badly injured following the crash.
Photos and videos circulating online show the front section of the white van completely crushed, highlighting the severity of the impact.
Authorities had not yet officially released the identities of the deceased by press time, as investigations into the incident continued although social media posts suggest one of the deceased being former jounalist Robert Wamala Lumanyika
The Karuma highway stretch has for years been considered a high-risk zone due to occasional wildlife crossings, especially during night hours when visibility becomes difficult for motorists.
Officials are expected to issue a formal statement once verification and notification of next of kin are completed.