Four people were killed and five others injured when a truck crashed into four shops in Byahi trading centre in Rubavu District, in an accident suspected to have been caused by brake failure.
The accident occurred at around 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when a truck carrying goods struck commercial buildings along the road.
Among those killed were shop owners and pedestrians who were near the scene.
Jean Bosco Rwibasira, the Executive Secretary of Rubavu Sector, confirmed the incident, saying the truck’s brakes reportedly failed, leaving the driver unable to control the vehicle before it crashed into the four shops.
“The accident was caused by brake failure, which left the truck out of control and caused it to crash into four shops,” he said.
He added that the five injured people were immediately taken to Gisenyi Hospital for treatment. One of them, who required specialised medical care, was later transferred to Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK).
The accident has once again highlighted the serious risks posed by mechanical failures in vehicles.
Following previous incidents involving trucks, including one in which a vehicle crashed into Gisenyi Hospital, Rubavu authorities and police had restricted trucks from entering the town through the usual route. They instead directed them to use the Rugerero–Byahi–Gisenyi road.
