A Rwanda Defence Forces senior officer died in a road accident in Gitoki sector, Gatsibo District, yesterday.

Major John Rugerindinda died when the vehicle he was driving, a Mercedes Benz, registration number RAC 925K rammed into a heavy truck that was heading in the opposite direction.

He died on the spot.

The accident happened at around 1.30am, according to Police.

The officer was heading to Kabarore from Kigali with three others.

The passengers, whose identity could not immediately be established sustained injuries, and were rushed to nearby Kabarore Hospital in the same district.

Preliminary investigations showed that Rugerindinda’s car was hit on its left side by the truck, registration number RAB 498 D.

The truck driver was identified as Rachid Francois Karamaga.

Talking to The New Times, Jean Marie Vianney Ndushabandi, Traffic Police spokesperson who confirmed the accident, called on drivers to be vigilant especially when they are driving in late hours of the night.

"A moderate speed is always advised when driving in the night, drivers should observe traffic rules and signposts while at the same time minding headlights whether low and or high,” he said.

John is survived by a wife and three children

Members of the bereaved family took to the social media to express shock and sadness occasioned by the loss.

One Arnold Kwizera (deceased’s nephew) wrote on his Twitter page, that Rugerindinda was his closest to a father and that he will be missed dearly.

"You are the closest I had to a father figure; I will always love you and miss you. R.I.P Maj.John Rugerindinda,” he wrote.

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