The incident took place on the Rusizi-Nyamasheke road, just beyond the Kinini trading center in Rwesero Cell, Kagano Sector.
Around 5 pm, as the students were walking home, they reached a spot near Konsaseri when the truck, traveling at high speed, struck Uwamahoro.
Local residents have reported frequent accidents in the area, with crashes occurring almost every three months.
Rwanda National Police Spokesperson for Road Safety, SP Emmanuel Kayigi, attributed the accident to the driver's recklessness.
'The truck that hit her was crossing the road and veering off its lane. If the driver hadn't been careless, he wouldn't have struck her. The truck went off the road near where the child was walking,' SP Kayigi said.
He also mentioned that the community's request to install road signs near the accident site to indicate the proximity of the school as a preventive measure to reduce future accidents, will be reviewed.
'We didn't know that accidents were frequent in this area, but based on the information we've received, we will work with the relevant authorities to assess its feasibility to reduce accidents, as our priority is ensuring the safety of the people,' he added.
Eyewitnesses described the scene, stating that after hitting the child, the truck dragged her along, leaving parts of her body scattered on the road.
Investigations revealed that the driver and conductor were drinking banana brew found in the vehicle. The driver is currently detained at the Kagano Police Station, while the victim's body was taken to Kibogora Hospital.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/fuso-truck-kills-8-year-old-pupil-in-nyamasheke
