Death toll rises to 42 in tragic bus collision in Same, Kilimanjaro
What you need to know:
- The crash involved a passenger bus operated by Chanel One, which was en route from Moshi to Tanga, and a smaller coaster minibus traveling from Same to Moshi. According to officials, both vehicles collided head-on and burst into flames while passengers were still inside
Kilimanjaro. Authorities have confirmed that 42 people lost their lives following a devastating head-on collision between two passenger vehicles in the Sabasaba area of Same town on June 28, 2025.
The incident has been described as one of the deadliest road accidents in recent memory in the region.
The crash involved a passenger bus operated by Chanel One, which was en route from Moshi to Tanga, and a smaller coaster minibus traveling from Same to Moshi. According to officials, both vehicles collided head-on and burst into flames while passengers were still inside.
Providing an update on the tragedy today, July 2, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu said the death toll had risen from 39 to 42 following further assessment.
“Initially, we reported 39 fatalities, but the figure has now increased to 42 after additional victims were confirmed,” said Mr Babu during a press briefing at his office.
According to the Regional Commissioner, 31 of the deceased were travelling in the coaster bus — including 21 women and 10 men — while 11 others were aboard the Chanel One bus. In total, the two vehicles were carrying 67 passengers: 64 adults and 3 children.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult. While 24 survivors have since been discharged from hospital, two others remain admitted at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest the crash was caused by a burst front-right tyre on the Chanel One bus. The blowout is believed to have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, veer into the opposite lane, and collide with the oncoming mini-bus.
“The impact was severe and both vehicles caught fire almost immediately, with passengers still inside,” said Mr Babu.
The government has extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
Authorities have also reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly concerning vehicle maintenance and driver conduct.
