By Alfred Zacharia
Government Chief Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, has expressed deep condolences to families who lost loved ones in a tragic road accident in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on June 29, 2025, Mr. Msigwa conveyed the sympathies of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who joined the nation in mourning the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and communities.
“With great sorrow, we lost 38 fellow Tanzanians in this tragic accident, while 28 others sustained injuries. One of the buses, a Coaster, was carrying members of one family traveling to Moshi for a family event,” said Mr. Msigwa.
He added that many of the victims were en route to a wedding in Moshi, and both drivers of the buses involved also lost their lives.
Earlier today, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu confirmed that 37 people have died and 29 others were injured in the accident, which occurred on the evening of June 28, 2025, in the Sabasaba area of Same Town.
He said a Channel One bus traveling from Moshi to Tanga collided head-on with a Coaster minibus coming from Same. Both vehicles burst into flames shortly after the impact.
“This is a national disaster. So far, we have lost 37 people. Twenty-nine others are receiving treatment — 24 at Same District Hospital, and five have been referred to Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC),” said Mr. Babu.
Due to severe burns, several bodies remain unidentifiable. The government has initiated DNA testing to assist in the identification process. Families who suspect their relatives may have been involved have been urged to contact authorities.
Initial police investigations indicate the accident was caused by a tyre burst on the Channel One bus, causing the driver to lose control and collide head-on with the Coaster. The impact triggered the fire, trapping many passengers.
“The President directed the Police Force to enforce traffic laws rigorously to ensure the safety of all road users,” Mr. Msigwa stressed.
Regarding the injured, he reported that 22 of the 28 injured have been treated and discharged, while six remain hospitalized at KCMC, Mawenzi, and Same hospitals.