Shock and panic spread among travelers on Thursday after a Link Bus carrying dozens of passengers caught fire and burned beyond recognition along the busy Mityana-Mubende highway. The frightening incident happened near Kikonge in Mityana District and left many passengers stranded by the roadside as the vehicle was completely destroyed by flames.
According to reports, the bus, registration number UBF 966K, was heading to Mubende when the fire suddenly broke out at around midday. Witnesses said smoke first started coming from the vehicle before flames rapidly spread through different parts of the bus, causing fear and confusion among passengers.
Passengers onboard immediately began shouting for help as the driver reportedly stopped the bus by the roadside. Within minutes, travelers rushed out through the doors and windows in a desperate attempt to save their lives before the fire intensified further.
Despite the terrifying scene, all 65 passengers aboard the bus managed to escape unharmed. Many passengers were seen running away from the burning vehicle while carrying children, bags, and personal belongings in an effort to save whatever they could from the flames.
However, not everyone managed to rescue their property. Several passengers reportedly lost luggage, clothes, electronics, and other valuables after the fire spread too quickly for anything to be recovered from inside the bus.
Videos shared widely on social media showed huge flames engulfing the bus as thick black smoke filled the sky. Residents living near the highway and nearby motorists gathered at the scene in shock as the fire continued to destroy the vehicle.
Some local residents attempted to help passengers remove luggage before the fire became uncontrollable. Others were seen pouring sand and water near the bus, although their efforts could not stop the powerful blaze.
Eyewitnesses described the incident as one of the most frightening moments they had witnessed on the highway in recent months. Many passengers were reportedly crying and praying as the bus burned before their eyes.
Traffic along the Mityana-Mubende highway was temporarily disrupted as motorists slowed down to observe the incident. Some vehicles reportedly stopped completely, causing a temporary traffic jam in the area.
Police officers later arrived at the scene to control the situation and begin investigations into what may have caused the fire. Authorities also worked to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent further danger to other road users.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been linked to mechanical problems, although investigations are still ongoing. Police have not yet released an official statement confirming the exact cause of the blaze.
The incident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety on public transport vehicles in Uganda. Many social media users questioned whether some buses are properly inspected before being allowed onto the roads.
This is not the first time Link Bus Services has been associated with fire incidents. In previous years, some of the company’s buses have reportedly caught fire under circumstances linked to suspected mechanical faults and technical failures.
Following Thursday’s incident, many Ugandans online expressed relief that no lives were lost. Others praised the driver and passengers for acting quickly and calmly during the dangerous situation.
Several passengers who survived the fire described the experience as traumatic and heartbreaking. Some said they watched helplessly as their belongings were consumed by the flames moments after escaping the bus.
Road safety experts say such incidents highlight the importance of regular vehicle inspection and maintenance, especially for buses that travel long distances carrying large numbers of passengers daily.
Experts have also called upon transport companies to prioritize passenger safety by ensuring buses are serviced regularly and emergency response systems are functioning properly before every journey.
Meanwhile, some travelers have urged transport authorities to strengthen inspections on public service vehicles to reduce the risk of similar accidents happening again on Ugandan highways.
Residents around Kikonge who witnessed the incident said it was fortunate that the fire did not spread to nearby vehicles or roadside businesses, which could have caused an even bigger disaster.
As investigations continue, the burnt wreckage of the bus remains a painful reminder of how quickly disaster can strike on the road. Although all passengers survived, many are now left counting losses after their property was destroyed in the terrifying highway fire.
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