At least 38 people killed in Tanzania bus collision

A tragic accident occurred on Saturday evening in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region, where a bus and a minibus collided. The crash happened after one of the bus's tires punctured, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Following the collision, a fire quickly engulfed both vehicles. The devastating fire led to the deaths of 38 people, including two women. Tragically, 36 of the bodies remain unidentified due to the extent of burns they suffered. This heart-wrenching incident highlights the dangers on Tanzanian roads, where traffic accidents continue to pose a significant problem despite repeated calls for road safety improvements.

In total, 28 people were injured in the crash, and six of them are still receiving treatment in the hospital. The nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident. The severity of the crash has left the country in mourning, with families devastated by the loss of loved ones. In the wake of the tragedy, many are calling for a reassessment of road safety measures in the country.

See also: (In South Africa) DA Withdraws from National Dialogue, Netizens React with Amusement

 

Tanzania has long faced a serious problem with traffic accidents, and the recent bus and minibus collision only emphasizes the urgent need for change. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, expressing her deep sorrow for the lives lost in the crash. The president also conveyed her wishes for a quick recovery to the injured individuals, underscoring the importance of supporting those affected by the tragedy.

The Tanzanian government has made repeated efforts to curb the rising number of road accidents through public safety campaigns. Despite these efforts, the frequency of fatal crashes remains high. According to a 2018 World Health Organization report, between 13,000 and 19,000 people were killed in road accidents in Tanzania in 2016 alone, a staggering number far higher than the government’s official tally of 3,256 deaths. This recent crash serves as another painful reminder of the ongoing road safety crisis in the country, underscoring the need for stricter adherence to traffic laws and improved safety measures across the nation.