Kampala, Uganda – Uganda Railways Corporation has confirmed a fatal train accident that claimed the life of an American national following a collision between a commuter train and a private vehicle at Bugolobi in Kampala.
The accident occurred on Friday evening, December 19, 2025, at the Wankoko level crossing. According to Uganda Railways Corporation, the incident happened at about 5:37 pm when an evening commuter train traveling from Kampala to Namanve struck a Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number UBF 582X.
The deceased has been identified as Savannah Gardner, an American missionary who was traveling with her family at the time of the crash. The train was operating on its scheduled commuter service when the collision occurred.
Uganda Railways Corporation said preliminary findings show that the level crossing was properly manned by both Railways Police officers and URC staff, in line with established safety procedures. Traffic from all directions, including Bugolobi, Port Bell Road and Third Street, had reportedly been stopped to allow the train to pass.
Despite the road closure, the driver of the Pajero, who is also an American national, attempted to cross the railway line as the train approached. The vehicle was hit, resulting in the fatal injuries that led to Savannah Gardner’s death.
Uganda Railways Corporation stated that internal investigations have already been launched and that the corporation is fully cooperating with the Uganda Police Force to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.
News of the tragedy spread widely on social media, where earlier appeals had been made for prayers and financial support for the Gardner family. Savannah and her husband, Matthew Gardner, were missionaries in Uganda and graduates of West Coast Baptist College.
According to information shared by close associates, Savannah died instantly in the crash. The couple’s two young sons, Jedidiah, aged four, and Mason, aged one, survived the accident without injuries. Matthew Gardner sustained internal injuries and was admitted to hospital, where he is receiving medical care.
Friends and fellow missionaries described Savannah as a devoted wife, mother and servant of faith, noting that a strong network of missionaries in Uganda has rallied around the family to provide assistance during this difficult time.
The incident has once again raised public concern about safety at railway level crossings in Kampala, especially during peak traffic hours. Authorities are urging motorists to strictly follow traffic instructions at railway crossings to prevent similar tragedies.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing as police and railway officials work to determine accountability and recommend further safety measures.