At least ten people have died after a fuel truck ran out of control and exploded into flames near Kampala in Uganda on Tuesday.

Confirming the incident, resident District Commissioner Charles Lwanga said the disaster occurred on a highway in Kigogwa, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Kampala.

"The death toll in the fuel explosion is so far 10 people but we have more injuries reported.”

Lwanga told reporters at the scene that the truck had failed to brake.

"As people came to steal fuel there was a fire which has caused over 10 people (to be) burnt to death," he said.

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Ambulances rushed to the scene to take people to hospital, he said, adding that many had suffered serious injuries.

Langwa said the fire had been contained, preventing the flames from reaching a nearby petrol station.