President Samia issues directive after Kagera tragedy

DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Police Force to enforce strict adherence to traffic laws to prevent road accidents that continue to claim lives and leave others injured.

The Head of State issued the directive on Wednesday following a tragic road accident on Tuesday in Kihanga Village, Karagwe District, Kagera Region, which claimed seven lives, including two children, and left nine others injured.

The fatal collision occurred around 11:00 AM and involved a Scania truck, a Toyota Hiace, and a Costa passenger vehicle, according to Kagera Regional Police Commander Brasius Chatanda.

President Samia stressed the importance of heightened vigilance during the year-end period, a time of increased travel.

“As we approach the end of the year, I direct the Police Force to ensure drivers comply with traffic laws to prevent accidents,” she posted on Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter).

She further instructed the Police to update road signage in high-risk areas and establish visible inspection checkpoints to enhance safety and reduce accident risks.

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President Samia also urged passengers and road users to report instances of negligence or violations of road regulations to regional police commanders through dedicated hotlines.

The Head of State extended her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash and to Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa.

“I pray for the departed souls to rest in peace and for the injured to recover quickly,” she stated.

Commander Chatanda reported that the victims included four women, one man, and two children.

All the injured are receiving treatment at the Kagera Regional Referral Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased have also been preserved for identification.

Meanwhile, the police are actively searching for the driver of the Scania truck, who fled the scene immediately after the crash.