Nine die, 49 injured in road crashes

DODOMA: NINE people died and 49 others sustained injuries in separate road accidents in Dodoma and Morogoro regions on Monday and yesterday.

Police reports indicate that six fatalities occurred in a collision near Dodoma, while three others perished in a separate incident in Morogoro.

In Dodoma, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Monday at Chigongwe, just outside Dodoma City when a bus belonging to AN Classic Company (registration number T405 BYS), driven by Swalehe Mnyapi, collided with the trailer of a cargo truck (registration number T206 EEZ) while attempting to overtake.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Ms Rosemary Senyamule confirmed the incident, saying that the bus was travelling from Dodoma to Tabora and Kasulu.

“We received information about the accident at around 10:00 pm on Monday Upon arrival at the scene, we found that 49 passengers had been rescued, while six had lost their lives,” she said.

She added that 48 injured passengers were rushed to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, while a pregnant woman was referred to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for further treatment.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” she said, while commending members of the public who responded swiftly to assist the victims.

Acting Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC) Anania Amo stated that the accident occurred after the bus driver failed to control the vehicle, hitting the truck before overturning.

According to the acting Police chief, 11 of the injured passengers sustained severe leg injuries and remain under close medical observation at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital and Benjamin Mkapa Referral Hospital.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Meanwhile, three people died in a collision between two trucks on the Morogoro Dar es Salaam highway.

The accident occurred early yesterday morning when a diesel tanker collided with another truck, causing both vehicles to catch fire, resulting in the death of the drivers and one passenger on the spot.

Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Alex Mkama confirmed the incident during a press briefing, revealing that the accident took place at the NaneNane area in Morogoro Municipality. He explained that the two trucks collided while attempting to pass each other.

One of the trucks, registered as RL 6652, was heading to Rwanda, while the other, with registration number T.374 DLC, was going to Dar es Salaam.

Preliminary investigations, according to the RPC, indicate that the driver of the truck with registration number T374 DLC, which was heading to Dar es Salaam, lost control of the vehicle, veering into the opposite lane and causing the collision.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital for preservation.