KAMPALA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 12 rescued after a truck plunged into world's longest River Nile on Sunday morning in northwestern Ugandan district of Pakwach, a police spokesperson said.
Josephine Angucia, West Nile police spokesperson, said in a statement sent to Xinhua that the accident occurred after a canter truck carrying about 20 people from Pabbo County in northern district of Amuru heading to Panyimur market in Pakwach plunged into River Nile at Lubiri A landing site.
"The break(s) failed hence making it to speed towards the river and plunged into water. Three dead bodies have been retrieved so far. Meanwhile 12 people have been rescued," said Angucia.
"Police of Pakwach district and other members of the rescue team are still rescuing victims of an accident this morning," she said.
"Names of the deceased are yet being got. The injured were rushed to Pakwach hospital for treatment as the search and rescue exercise continues," said Angucia.
Uganda registers at least 20,000 accidents each year, with over 2,000 deaths, making it one of the countries with the highest road traffic death rates, according to police statistics.
