Several passengers sustained injuries after a commuter bus, commonly known as daladala, was rear-ended by a Fuso truck at Kihonda, Morogoro Municipality, along the Morogoro-Dodoma highway.
The accident, which occurred near the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) bridge, caused panic among travelers and disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when the truck lost control while descending the steep slope of the SGR bridge, crashing into the rear of the daladala.
The impact of the collision caused the commuter bus to lurch forward uncontrollably, with some passengers thrown against seats and windows.
Bystanders and other road users quickly rushed to the scene to assist the injured before emergency responders arrived.
“I heard a loud bang, and when I turned around, I saw the daladala being pushed forward by the truck. Some passengers screamed in fear, while others struggled to exit the bus,” said Juma Ramadhani, a bodaboda rider who witnessed the accident.
Authorities reported that several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to serious fractures. The injured were immediately rushed to Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention.
Morogoro Traffic Police Officer, Inspector Joseph Mwakyusa, confirmed the incident and urged motorists to exercise caution, especially when driving on steep slopes and high-traffic areas.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck’s braking system may have failed, causing the driver to lose control. We are conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident,” he stated.
In response to the incident, local authorities and transportation officials emphasized the need for frequent vehicle inspections to prevent such occurrences.
They also advised truck drivers to reduce speed when approaching steep slopes and to ensure that their braking systems are in optimal condition.
This accident has reignited concerns over road safety along the Morogoro-Dodoma highway, which has witnessed multiple crashes in recent months.
Residents and regular road users have called upon the government to implement stricter measures to curb accidents, including the installation of speed bumps and enhanced traffic enforcement.
“I use this road daily, and I have seen many reckless drivers. Authorities should take immediate action to prevent further accidents,” said Hadija Salum, a resident of Kihonda.
As investigations continue, passengers and road users are advised to remain vigilant and report any vehicles that appear to be mechanically faulty or driven recklessly.
Meanwhile, police have assured the public that legal action will be taken against any individuals found responsible for negligence leading to the accident.
Efforts to contact the owners of the involved vehicles were still ongoing as of the time of reporting.