A heavy-duty HOWO truck traveling from Nyanza toward the Sonatubes junction lost its brakes this morning and hit a group of pedestrians near the town centre.
Eyewitnesses said the truck went onto the pavement and struck several people. Emergency services responded immediately. The exact number of casualties is not yet confirmed, but several victims are reported to have serious injuries.
Local police have cordoned off the scene and are investigating whether mechanical failure or driver error caused the accident. One witness said, “We heard the squeal of tyres, then the truck crashed into the crowd.”
Kicukiro traffic authorities are urging motorists and pedestrians to be cautious around heavy-vehicle routes, junctions, and pedestrian zones. The incident raises questions about vehicle maintenance, road safety, and pedestrian protection in Kigali’s peri-urban areas.
Residents near the site expressed concern. One said, “We use that road every day, children cross here going to school. How many more will have to be injured before action is taken?”
The injured have been transported to nearby hospitals, and investigators are examining the truck’s condition. Authorities will provide updates as more information becomes available.
