Dodoma. Tanzania has been plunged into mourning after a series of fatal road crashes claimed 19 lives within just three days, highlighting the country’s ongoing road safety challenges.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Wednesday, September 16, in Chemba District, Dodoma Region, when a bus collided head-on with a lorry at Nyasa Camp.
Nine people, including the bus driver, were killed, while 16 others sustained serious injuries.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC) Gallus Hyera said the crash happened around 6:40 a.m. when the lorry driver veered into the opposite lane.
“Five people died instantly, while four others succumbed on the way to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital,” he told reporters.
Four students were among those killed: Carolyne Joachim, 13; Rukia Ally, 14; Bashir Hashim, 13; and 18-year-old Nasra Mohamed.
One of the injured is a baby, estimated to be less than 12 months old, whose parents remain unidentified.
Mr Hyera added that the lorry driver was also hospitalised and would face legal action once investigations are complete.
“The right side of both vehicles was badly damaged, reflecting the severity of the impact,” he said, urging drivers to adhere to road safety regulations.
Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital Medical Officer In-charge, Dr Ernest Ibenzi, confirmed nine patients had been admitted with injuries to the head, legs, and arms.
“Their condition is stable and improving under treatment,” he said.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule advised drivers to rest when fatigued, noting that the crash occurred on a long, straight stretch of road with clear visibility.
She also expressed gratitude to local residents and health workers who responded promptly to assist the injured.
The Chemba disaster followed another fatal crash on Sunday, 14 September, in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, which claimed the lives of five members of the Kaggi family from Dar es Salaam.
Among the deceased were two Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) employees: Francis Elineema Kaggi, an ICT Officer, and his brother, accountant Elineema Hamis Kaggi.
Francis’s three children also perished, leaving his wife, Ms Sophia Makange, Deputy Head of Kisutu School, as the sole surviving family member; she sustained injuries and remains under treatment.
Two days later, on Tuesday, 15 September, another accident occurred in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region, when a small car collided with a lorry along the Usagara–Kigongo Ferry Road.
The crash killed three nuns from the Congregation of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, their driver, and another passenger.
The victims included the congregation’s Superior General, Sister Nelina Semeoni (60), an Italian national, and her assistant, Sister Lilian Kapongo (55) from Tabora.
Others killed were Kenyan nationals Sister Stellamaris Kamene Muthin (48) and Sister Damaris Matheka (51), head of Bukumbi Girls’ Secondary School.
Their driver, Mr Boniphace Msonola (53), and a passenger who later died in hospital also lost their lives.
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