At least 29 bodies have been identified and 30 injured people rescued following a deadly collision between a Dream Line passenger bus and a truck carrying timber at Mkambarani, Kikombe cha Chai, along the Morogoro–Dar es Salaam highway.
Authorities are investigating the crash, which occurred on the night of October 8, 2026, to establish the exact number of fatalities.
The accident involved a Scania truck, registration number T 902 ENG, and a passenger bus, registration number T 672 ELT, which was travelling from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya. The two vehicles collided head-on, setting the bus ablaze and making rescue operations difficult.
Morogoro Regional Police Commander ACP Andrew Kantimbo said the accident was caused by the truck driver attempting to overtake vehicles ahead without taking the necessary precautions in an area where overtaking was prohibited.
Acting Morogoro Regional Fire and Rescue Force Commander Joseph Mwasabeja said his team deployed additional rescue vehicles after assessing the scale of the collision and the fire.
He said the priority was to save lives, adding that rescue teams recovered 29 bodies and helped transport 30 injured people to Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Mwasabeja said the official number of deaths and injuries would need to be confirmed by health professionals.
One of the survivors, Obtato Mwanyigu, said he witnessed the truck move from its side of the road into the lane used by the bus.
Other passengers described the crash as severe and urged drivers to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution to prevent accidents that can result in deaths and serious injuries.
In a separate incident, police confirmed another crash at Miti Bora, between Dakawa and Dumila in Mvomero District. The accident involved a police vehicle carrying officers on duty and a Scania truck owned by ATT.
Kantimbo said four people died in the second accident, while those injured were taken to hospital for treatment.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further details on the final death toll from the Mkambarani crash and the identities of the victims.