Deadly lorry crash claims three lives in Dodoma

DODOMA: THREE people lost their lives early on Thursday after two lorries collided along Dodoma Road, triggering a fierce fire at the Emmaus area near the Prime Minister’s traffic lights in Ipagala, Dodoma City.

The crash, which occurred at around 6:00 am, brought traffic to a standstill for vehicles entering and leaving the city centre, forcing police to divert motorists to alternative routes as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

Acting Dodoma Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Superintendent Rehema Menda, said the incident was reported at 6:10 am, prompting a rapid response from firefighters who managed to contain the blaze. She added that one of the vehicles involved was a sand truck, with registration number T 179 EQF, travelling from Bihawana and driven by a man identified only as Lucas.

The second vehicle involved was a truck with registration number T 764 EPW, towing a trailer T 238 EPW, which was transporting cement from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. A witness, motorcycle taxi rider Boniface Daniel, said he heard a loud horn moments before the collision, followed by flames engulfing both vehicles.

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“I heard a loud horn, then suddenly saw fire burning on the road,” he said, adding that residents rushed to the scene shortly after the incident.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Galus Hyera, confirmed the accident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that the cement truck driver may have been drowsy at the time of the crash.

He added that the driver is suspected to have caused the accident and fled the scene immediately after the collision.

Authorities have launched investigations into the incident, while efforts are underway to identify all the victims and notify their families. Police have also urged motorists to strictly observe road safety regulations, particularly during early morning hours, warning that driver fatigue remains a major contributor to road accidents.

The incident adds to a growing number of road crashes reported across the country, raising renewed concerns over driver fatigue, compliance with traffic rules and overall vehicle safety standards.