A tragic series of accidents in Same District has resulted in seven deaths and 75 injuries. The accidents, which occurred within a 24-hour period, have raised serious concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance in the region.
Authorities have confirmed the deaths and injuries, with the victims coming from different backgrounds and locations.
Local officials and survivors have shared their accounts of the incidents, urging drivers to be more cautious on the roads.
The first accident occurred at around 7:00 PM last night near Njoro, a small area in Same District. A bus from Osaka Company, traveling from Dar es Salaam to the northern part of the country, crashed after losing control on the road.
The crash resulted in one death and left 52 people injured. Passengers aboard the bus described a chaotic and frightening scene.
One survivor, who asked to remain anonymous, recalled the terrifying moment: "The bus was speeding, and the driver couldn’t handle the sharp curve. We all screamed as the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a ditch."
The survivor, who sustained minor injuries, emphasized that the speed of the bus was likely the main cause of the accident.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly, and the injured passengers were rushed to the hospital.
Dr. Alex Alexander, the District Medical Officer for Same, confirmed that the injured were brought to the hospital around 8:00 PM that evening.
“We immediately mobilized medical teams to treat the injured victims, and we are grateful to the emergency services for their quick response,” he said.
As the community was still reeling from the first accident, a second crash occurred early this morning around 2:00 AM.
A Costa bus from Mkokota Company, carrying a group of choir members traveling from Chome to Ndolwa, overturned at the dangerous Ilamba mountain bends.
The accident resulted in six deaths and 23 injuries. The passengers were heading for a choir performance when the tragedy struck.
A member of the choir, who survived the accident but wishes to remain anonymous, explained the terrifying ordeal: “The bus suddenly swerved, and we heard a loud crash as the vehicle flipped over. It all happened so fast. We were all in shock.”
The survivor expressed sorrow over the loss of life, saying, "I can't believe we're mourning our friends and family who were with us just hours ago."
Initial reports suggest that a mechanical failure, possibly a steering issue, caused the driver to lose control of the bus.
Authorities have confirmed that the steep terrain and sharp curves in the Ilamba mountain area likely worsened the situation.
“We suspect that the steering failure contributed to the accident,” said a local police officer. “But we are still investigating all the factors involved.”
The victims from the second crash were transported to the hospital later in the afternoon. Dr. Alexander noted, "We received the bodies and injured passengers from the second accident this afternoon. It's been a very challenging day for our medical team, but we are doing everything we can to assist the victims and their families."
Same District Commissioner, Kasilda Mgeni, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and called for increased caution on the roads.
"We are deeply saddened by these tragic events," she said. "I urge all drivers to be extremely careful when traveling through Same District, especially during times of strong winds and poor weather. Road safety is everyone's responsibility."
She also appealed to passengers to report any safety concerns, such as speeding or mechanical issues, to the relevant authorities.
“If you notice any dangerous driving or faulty vehicles, don’t hesitate to inform the authorities. It could save lives,” she urged.
These accidents have raised awareness about the importance of road safety and the need for better vehicle maintenance in the region.
Local officials are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and more awareness among both drivers and passengers to prevent future tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of those who died in the accidents, many hope these incidents will lead to meaningful changes in road safety practices across the district.
