A speeding Benz truck heavily loaded with sugarcane Friday evening rammed into four parked vehicles and two others moving in the opposite direction after the driver lost control due to failed brakes.

According to police and an eye witness, the truck was driven by Nzaramba Amani, 44 who it is alleged was under the influence of alcohol and narcotic drugs. He is being held at Kicukiro police post.

"I personally know the driver. He is a heavy drinker and user of marijuana,” said Anatole Nsabimana, an eye witness who also alleged that the vehicle had just killed another person in Gahanga.

The truck, registration number RAB 759L travelling from Gahanga hit the vehicles one after another before finally knocking down a motorcycle whose rider was instantly killed.

The body of the deceased identified as Jean Claude Bicamumpaka is lying at Kigali’s Central Hospital (CHK) mortuary. A female passenger he was carrying is admitted at the same hospital in critical condition.

Supt Robert Niyonshuti, the commander of traffic police regretted that the accident comes at a time when The National Police is creating awareness about road safety in a week’s campaign that ends today.

"It is unfortunate that as much as we try, some people are determined not to comply with traffic rules and precautions,” a disappointed Niyonshuti told The New Times.

He warned that even if the police worked so hard, without the public’s contribution it would be a waste of time and resources.

"As we end the week of road safety awareness campaign, I am appealing to all road users to abide by the law especially as the festive season sets in,” Niyonshuti said.

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