DNA test process begins to identify Same crash victims

KILIMANJARO: AUTHORITIES here have started conducting DNA tests to identify the victims of the tragic crash that occurred last Saturday in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Two passenger vehicles collided head-on before catching fire in a grisly road crash, leaving 38 people dead and several others injured.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Mr Nurdin Babu, confirmed yesterday that the exercise to identify the remains of the deceased has officially begun.

“Samples from relatives of those believed to have died in the accident have already been collected. We are now awaiting their arrival in Moshi so that DNA testing can begin to match them with the remains of the deceased,” he said.

Mr Babu explained that samples will also be taken from the remains of the victims, including any disintegrated body parts, and will be subjected to forensic DNA analysis to identify the individuals.

The DNA tests will be conducted at the forensic laboratories of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Zonal Referral Hospital in Moshi.

According to the RC, the government opted for DNA testing because many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition due to the severity of the accident. Responding to questions about the possibility of a mass burial, Mr Babu clarified that no such plan is in place.

“That option is not being considered, which is why the government is relying on DNA testing to accurately identify the victims. Once the identification process is complete—expected within one or two days—the bodies will be released to their respective families,” he said.

Mr Babu also said that the regional government will coordinate with the Disaster Management Department in the Prime Minister’s Office to streamline ongoing efforts.

“The disaster response team, led by the Deputy Permanent Secretary from the Prime Minister’s Office, is enroute. Once they arrive, we will join forces to ensure that all victims are afforded dignified burial services,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to the residents of Kilimanjaro, particularly those in Same District, for their swift response and support to victims at the scene of the accident, which occurred around 5 pm at Sabasaba area, along the Moshi– Tanga highway.

“I urge the families of the deceased and all citizens to remain calm as the government continues to work diligently to ensure that the victims receive a respectful and dignified sendoff,” RC Babu said.

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The crash involved a passenger bus make Fuso, with registration number T 179 CWL, operated by Channel One Company-and a Mitsubishi Rosa minibus, with registration number T 199 EFX, owned by Mwani Company.

Initial reports indicate that the Channel One bus encountered a blowout, lost control, veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the Mitsubishi Rosa.

Both vehicles immediately caught fire, resulting in a devastating blaze. The collision claimed 38 lives, including two women. Due to the severity of the fire, 36 of the bodies were charred beyond recognition.

In addition, 28 people (15 women and 13 men) sustained injuries. Twenty-two of the injured were treated and discharged from Same District Hospital after showing signs of recovery.

Six others, including five men and one woman remain hospitalised across Same District Hospital, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).

Following the tragic crash, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for heightened caution among drivers and strict enforcement of traffic laws.

She extended heartfelt condolences to Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Mr Nurdin Babu, as well as to the families and friends of the deceased.

“I pray for eternal peace for those who have perished and I wish a swift recovery to the injured. May Almighty God provide comfort and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” she added.

In her address to the 12th Parliament last Friday, President Samia commended the Tanzania Police Force for its efforts in combating crime and acknowledged their continued search for sustainable solutions to road accidents.

“We must acknowledge that the crimes prevented by the Police far exceed those that occur. However, one area where we’ve yet to record meaningful success is in reducing road accidents. We must double our efforts to find lasting solutions,” she said.