Three individuals lost their lives and four sustained injuries after their vehicle collided with an elephant in northwestern Uganda, according to police reports on Monday. The collision took place in Murchison Falls National Park, highlighting a growing concern over human-wildlife interactions as populations expand into wildlife territories.
The tragic event occurred on Sunday evening when a Toyota Hiace minibus traveling from Arua city to Kampala struck a crossing elephant, losing control as a result. The police reported that the incident resulted in the immediate death of three passengers, while four, including the driver, were injured.
The minibus was carrying seven officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority. Images shared by police showed the crashed vehicle on the roadside. The health status of the elephant involved was not disclosed.
Authorities emphasized the need for caution while driving through national parks and wildlife-protected areas. In a statement, police urged motorists to observe speed limits, particularly during night hours, to prevent similar incidents.
The Ugandan Wildlife Authority also confirmed the collision, advising careful driving through Protected Areas due to frequent animal crossings. In 2024, an estimate by the UWA highlighted that approximately three animals were killed daily by speeding vehicles within Murchison Falls National Park.
Car accidents are a prevailing issue in Uganda, similar to other regions. A related incident occurred in India, where a high-speed passenger train killed seven elephants and injured a calf in December as the herd crossed railway tracks.
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