Truck driver on the run after fatal accident

MWANZA: MWANZA Regional Police are searching for a truck driver who fled the scene after causing an accident that killed a businessman and injured two others.

The deceased has been identified as Zablon Simon (40), a resident of Buswelu in Ilemela Municipality.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Wilbrod Mutafungwa, said the accident occurred on March 24 at around 6:30 pm along the Buswelu–Nyamhongolo road in the Nyamadoke area, Nyamhongolo Ward.

He said the crash involved a threewheeled cargo motorcycle, commonly known as a guta, registration number MC 433 DGU, WANHOO type, which was ridden by the deceased.

According to the commander, the rider was entering the main road from a feeder road when he collided head-on with a HOWO truck, registration number T 406 EGZ, which was travelling from Buswelu towards Nyamhongolo.

Following the collision, the truck lost control and rammed into a roadside food stall on the left side of the road, where women were selling food, injuring two people. The motorcycle rider died on the spot.

“The women were rescued and taken to Sekou-Toure Referral Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, they did not sustain serious injuries,” Mr Mutafungwa said.

ALSO READ: 10 killed in truck-minibus crash

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by speeding by the truck driver, who was travelling at high speed in a residential area without taking necessary precautions.

He stated that the guta rider also entered the main road without due caution and that the deceased has been preserved at Sekou-Toure Referral Hospital for further examination.

DCP Mutafungwa said efforts to trace and arrest the driver, who fled immediately after the accident, are ongoing, adding that legal action will be taken once the suspect is apprehended.

According to DCP Mutafungwa, the injured have been identified as Monica Katego (40), a businesswoman and resident of Buswelu and Enos Omashiku Sanange (33), a resident of Nyamadoke in Ilemela Municipality.

He urged all road users, particularly drivers, to strictly observe traffic laws and safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.