KIGALI - A huge Eucalyptus tree yesterday evening fell over a packed Nyabugogo-bound taxi at Gishushu in Kigali, leaving three people dead and 10 injured.

The tree, one of the many lined up on the road alongside Parliament buildings; fell during the evening downpour that was characterised by heavy winds.

By press time, three people had been confirmed dead, two of the dead were still stuck in the omnibus that was crushed under the heavy weight of the tree. Police and the army quickly arrived at the scene to join in the rescue efforts that were started by the public.
By the time the press arrived, Ambulances were on site, rushing the injured to hospitals.

Ejide Nizeyimana, 46, the driver of the taxi, registration RAA 089K, said he was transporting about 15 passengers and the last thing he remembers is stopping at the Gishushu stage to drop off some passengers.

"We all didn’t know what happened. We had set off for Nyabugogo when suddenly something heavy fell with the bang on top of the taxi. It all happened in a flash,” Nizeyimana, who escaped unhurt, told The New Times.

By press time, the Police disaster unit was still struggling to cut the fallen tree using chain saws.

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