Five businesspeople have drowned after a lorry in which they were ferrying their goods plunged into the river in Amuria District, eastern Uganda.

The deceased were among a group of traders transporting their produce to Obalanga Cattle Market in Kapelebyong District on a lorry under registration UAU 429R.

The driver of the lorry is said to have lost control as he approached Alereke Bridge, located between Abia and Asamuk sub counties.

This led the lorry to plunge into the river. The victims were buried under the produce, causing instant death to five of them.

One of the survivors, Stella Agudo, admitted that the vehicle must have lost control due to the weight of goods being carried.

She disclosed that five of the traders died submerged by the goods in water, while three others escaped death with severe injuries.

East Kyoga Region Police commander Damalie Nasuha presided over rescue operation, saying he would give a comprehensive report on the incident after completing investigations.

The injured victims were rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, while the bodies were transferred to Amuria General Hospital mortuary.

So far, this is reportedly the third fatal accident involving lorries ferrying goods to other markets.