Vehicle Fire on MV Pearl Ferry Sparks Panic, Quickly Extinguished

Panic briefly gripped passengers aboard the MV Pearl ferry on Thursday when a vehicle being transported caught fire. The incident occurred as the vessel, operated by Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited (KIS), neared its destination at the Bukakata landing site on the Masaka mainland.

The quick thinking and action of the ferry crew, with support from Uganda Police personnel on board, were instrumental in bringing the fire under control. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported, thanks to the prompt response.

According to Michael Duncan Ensinikweri, Kalangala District’s traffic officer, initial investigations suggest that the fire originated from overheated batteries in the vehicle. The close proximity to the landing pier at the time of the incident allowed for a rapid intervention.

Ensinikweri characterized the event as minor, emphasizing that it highlighted the ferry crew’s and security personnel’s readiness to handle emergencies. He assured the public that the ferry transport system remains safe and that security management is effective.

Details regarding the extent of the damage to the affected vehicle were not immediately available, pending a comprehensive police report. KIS confirmed that ferry operations continued without further interruption after the incident was resolved.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/panic-as-vehicle-catches-fire-aboard-kalangala-ferry