KAMPALA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 23 others critically injured in a road accident on Wednesday in the western Ugandan district of Kiruhura.

The Ugandan police in a statement said the accident occurred after the driver of Kasaba Isuzu Bus lost control and overturned at Rwebitwete, along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway.

"Three persons died on spot, two male juveniles and a female adult. The driver is on the run," said the statement.

At least 15 victims were rushed to Mbarara Hospital and eight others to Lyantonde Hospital for treatment.

The police have launched inquiries into the accident, which is likely to be caused by speeding and reckless driving.

The East African country registers at least 20,000 accidents with over 2,000 deaths each year, making it one of the countries with the highest road accident fatality rates in the world, according to police figures.