Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Mr. Nurdin Babu, on Tuesday led hundreds of mourners in a solemn farewell ceremony for 36 of the 42 victims who perished in a horrific road crash that occurred on June 28 in the Sabasaba area, Same District.
Held at the grounds of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), the mass funeral served as a moment of collective grief and national mourning, with government officials, families, and local leaders gathering to pay their final respects.
“The tragedy is beyond words,” said Mr. Babu. “This loss has touched the entire nation, including Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has extended her heartfelt condolences.”he added
He announced that the government had disbursed TZS 3 million to each bereaved family to assist with funeral arrangements and other immediate needs.
Mr. Babu further urged road users to strictly follow traffic regulations, warning that negligence continues to claim innocent lives.
Also present was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Ms. Ummy Nderiananga, who urged communities in Same and across the country to show solidarity with the grieving families.
“In moments like this, we must come together in love, unity, and compassion. These families need our strength,” she said.
Same District Commissioner, Ms. Kasilda Mgeni, expressed deep sorrow, revealing that she personally knew several of the deceased and had worked with them on community development initiatives.
“I lost not just constituents, but close colleagues and partners in service,” she said. Ms. Mgeni also extended her appreciation to citizens, institutions, and rescue teams that responded quickly at the scene.
The deadly crash involved a passenger bus operated by Channel One Company (Reg. T 179 CWL) traveling from Moshi to Tanga, and a Coaster minibus (Reg. T 199 EFX) heading from Same to Moshi. The two vehicles collided head-on, after which both caught fire, resulting in the deaths of dozens and injuries to several others.
The tragedy has reignited national conversations about road safety enforcement and emergency response mechanisms.
As investigations continue, families across Kilimanjaro and Tanga are left grappling with an immense and sudden loss.