Fatal accident claims 13 lives in Kilwa

Kilwa. 13 people have been killed, and six others were injured in a car accident that occurred in the Somanga area of Kilwa District, Lindi Region.

Speaking about the accident today, Monday, April 22, 2024, at the scene, Lindi Regional Police Commander John Imori said the accident occurred at 7:30 am.

He said a small passenger vehicle of the Mazda type, which was traveling from Somanga to Nangurukuru, collided head-on with a fuel truck on the Lindi-Kibiti highway.

Commander Imori said the vehicle with registration number T224 DZT, which was being driven by Abdalla Hamisi (37), a resident of Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, traveling from Lindi to Dar es Salaam, collided head-on with a vehicle with registration number T707DSX, a Mazda, which was being driven by Saidi Issa (29), a resident of Somanga who was traveling from Somanga to Nangurukuru, causing the deaths of 13 people.

"This truck driver left his lane and followed the passenger vehicle without any caution, causing the deaths of 13 people," said Commander Imori.

He said the bodies of the deceased have been examined and handed over to their relatives for burial arrangements, and the six injured are being treated.

"Nine bodies were taken away from the scene by their relatives, but we took four bodies to the Tingi Hospital, but they have also been taken by their relatives," he said.

Speaking to The Citizen by phone, the Acting Medical Officer of Kilwa District Hospital, Jordan Maliga, said they had received four male bodies and all had been taken by their relatives.

He said five of the injured who were taken to the hospital have been transferred to the Kinyonga District Hospital for further treatment, and one remains with them.

"Here at the hospital, four bodies and six injured people arrived, nine bodies were taken by their relatives at the scene, and these four bodies that were brought here to the hospital have also been taken away. Of the six injured people we received, five have been transferred to Kinyonga District Hospital for further treatment," said Dr Jordan.

Speaking on the condition of the drivers, Commander Imori said they are being held by the police for further questioning.

The commander called on drivers to be careful on the roads to avoid accidents that claim the lives of many people.