At least 46 people dead as two buses crash head-on while trying to overtake on motorway triggering massive pile-up

AT LEAST 46 people have died after two buses smashed into each other causing a four vehicle pile-up on a busy highway.

The buses were travelling in opposite directions before they “met head-on” while both attempting to overtake a car and a lorry in Uganda, police confirmed.

As one of the buses reportedly swerved across the road to try and avoid crashing it collided with the other packed coach.

Both were full of passengers at the time.

The crash caused a “chain reaction” as both buses were left smashed up on the highway as other cars came past and overturned as they tried to avoid the carnage.

Police initially said 63 victims had been found before lowering the number down to 46.

Dozens of others were found injured by the roadside when emergency officials arrived at the scene in Kitaleba village.

Police say they fear the number of casualties may still increase due to the severity of some of the injuries.

The massive traffic incident took place on the Kampala-Gulu Highway at 00:15am local time, according to the Uganda Police Force.

Both buses were operated by separate companies frequently used in Uganda.

One was from Planet Company and the other a Nile Star bus.

Those injured have been taken to hospital in the western town of Kiryandongo.

The other two vehicles badly damaged in the crash were a Toyota and a Tata lorry truck, according to a police report.

An investigation has been launched into the exact cause of the crash.

The highway between the capital of Kampala in the south and the northern city of Gulu is one of the busiest in the country.

Director of Traffic and Road Safety for the Uganda Police Force, Kananura Michael, said the deadly accident must be a reminder of the dangers of overtaking on busy roads.

He said in a statement: “As investigations continue, we strongly urge all motorists to exercise maximum caution on the roads, especially avoiding dangerous and careless overtaking, which remains one of the leading causes of crashes in the country.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to the injured.”

It comes just weeks after another deadly bus crash saw one person die and six others get injured after a wandering elephant ran into the side of the vehicle.

The tragic accident took place at around 1:30am near Karuma when the passenger vehicle was travelling from Gulu to Kampala.

The driver of the bus is believed to have died after sustaining serious injuries when the glass windows and front of the motor caved in.

Six other passengers were rushed to hospital all in a critical condition, according to New Vision.