Grisly road crash sends shock

SAME: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for heightened caution among drivers and strict enforcement of traffic laws, following a tragic road accident that claimed 38 lives in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.

The president issued her statement yesterday through her official social media platforms, reacting to the fatal crash that occurred on Saturday at Sabasaba, along the Moshi–Tanga highway.

The accident involved two passenger vehicles, which collided head-on. They subsequently caught fire, resulting in the high death toll.

“As I emphasised on June 27th during the address to mark the conclusion of the 12th Parliament activities, I reiterate-drivers must exercise extreme caution and comply with road safety regulations. The Police Force must continue to enforce these laws with utmost rigour and without compromise,” President Samia said.

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.

According to a statement released by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, 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 tyre burst, 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.

ALSO READ: Former director, his daughter perish in road crash

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).

The deceased are currently being preserved at Same District Hospital (5 bodies) and KCMC (33 bodies).

To assist with identification, the Kilimanjaro regional government has initiated DNA testing, with samples sent to KCMC to support proper identification and burial arrangements.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Nurdin Babu, who visited the scene of the crash and checked on the victims in hospital, described the incident as one of the most devastating in the region’s history.

“This is truly a national tragedy. So far, 38 Tanzanians have died and 28 are injured. Most of the deceased are unrecognisable due to the severity of the burns. We urge citizens to check on their loved ones and report anyone missing,” Mr Babu said.

He confirmed that the government has begun collecting DNA samples from relatives of potential victims to facilitate identifications.

In her last Friday address to the 12th Parliament, 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.