SOUTHERN PROVINCE

RUHANGO — Twenty eight members of Huye district Itorero (cultural troupe) were yesterday involved in a fatal road accident leaving two members seriously injured.

The victims were among the 804 Itorero members who were heading to Kigali City to join the rest of the district cultural groups that are finalizing the 30 days training.

The 804 Itorero members were traveling in ten ‘Horizon’ busses when the accident occurred near Munini sector and most of the trucks were seriously damaged and the occupants suffered from broken limbs and sustained deep cuts in their heads.

All the occupants were immediately rushed to Kabgayi hospital. Those in critical condition were identified as Emmanuel Matabaro (28) and Veneranda Mukampamije (50) - all residents of Kigoma sector.

The first four busses were seriously damaged and the number plates couldn’t be read after the drivers sealed off their registration numbers, according Jean Pierre Twizeyeyezu, a Contact FM correspondent said on phone.

According to eyewitnesses, ten-buss convoy was escorted by police patrol vehicles when the advance truck stopped instantly causing a front to back collusion.

"The driver of our vehicle met with Army trucks heading to Butare-on the opposite direction, and stopped instantly resulting into other buses knocking each other… the next thing I heard was a hard hit and most people screaming for help” Aimable Havugimana said.

Despite the accident some of the troupe members said that they were anxious to meet President Paul Kagame and other members from allover the country.

All the victims were transported back to Huye district and some of them who sustained minor cuts accused Daniel Musabyimana, the director of Kabutare Hospital, of stopping them from joining the Kigali meet.

Similar accidents have of recent occurred at the same spot and some people have lost lives. Security officials in Ruhango district confirmed the incident.

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