Bulldozer Hits Homes in Geita, Five Injured

Bulldozer Crashes Into Homes in Geita, Injuring Five

 Geita | April 3, 2025

Five people were injured in Geita Region after a bulldozer belonging to the Bucreef mining company veered off course and ploughed into residential houses in Isingilo hamlet, Lwamugasa village, Geita District.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m. on April 3, 2025, was confirmed by Lwamugasa Village Chairman, Mwita Amos, during a briefing to the District Security and Defense Committee.

Mwita reported that three households were affected, with five individuals sustaining injuries. The victims were rushed to the Geita Regional Referral Hospital, while others received treatment at the Katoro Health Centre.

According to preliminary accounts, the bulldozer—locally referred to simply as a “Bulldozer”—left the Bucreef mine site and moved unattended through the village, causing significant damage to residential properties.

One of the survivors, Athuman Charles, recalled hearing a loud noise before the impact. “We heard a rumbling sound passing by, but since we live near the mine, we assumed it was regular equipment,” he said.

“Suddenly, we heard a crash and people screaming. One elder was shouting for help, and we discovered that a house had collapsed, one that had six children inside,” Athuman added.

Geita District Commissioner and chair of the district’s Security and Defense Committee, Hashimu Komba, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Initial findings suggest that the machine operator had been involved in fuel theft and was in the company of individuals believed to be buyers. Two suspects have already been apprehended.

“When security guards at the mine noticed the suspicious activity, they began to pursue the operator. In response, he abandoned the machine and fled the scene,” Komba said.

He further explained that the type of heavy machinery involved can continue to operate even without an active driver. “Once it’s started, it can keep moving even after the keys are removed. That’s why witnesses found it still running when they arrived at the scene,” Komba stated.