Police in Kampala have confirmed the death of an American national and injuries to her family members following a collision between a passenger train and a motor vehicle at a railway crossing in the city.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire, the accident occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, at about 5:25pm at Wankoko Railway Crossing along Spring Road, under Jinja Road Police Division.
A passenger train travelling from Kampala to Mukono collided with a Mitsubishi Pajero, registration number UBF 582X, which was travelling from Luzira towards Kampala. The impact reportedly pushed the vehicle nearly 200 metres from the crossing, causing extensive damage.
The vehicle was carrying four occupants, all United States citizens, identified as Gardener Mathew, Savana Gardener, and their two children. The family is reported to be working with a non-governmental organisation, Baptism Mission in Uganda.
All the victims were rushed to Ruby Hospital along the Lugogo Bypass. However, Savana Gardener, who was seated in the co-driver’s seat, was pronounced dead on arrival. The other occupants sustained injuries, although police had not immediately disclosed the extent of their condition by press time.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the crash may have been caused by careless driving and failure to obey hand signals issued by a Railway Police officer who was manning the crossing at the time of the accident.
Police said investigations are ongoing, with Railway Police officers documenting the scene and recording statements from witnesses.
Police have extended their condolences to the bereaved family and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
