Tragedy at Iwambi Hill: Grief and despair as 28 die in horrific Mbeya road crash

Mbeya. Grief-stricken families, overwhelmed by sorrow and disbelief, thronged Ifisi Designated Hospital in Mbeya Rural District on Sunday to identify the remains of 28 victims who perished in one of the region’s deadliest road accidents in recent memory.

The tragedy, which occurred during the night leading to June 8, unfolded at Iwambi Hill—a notorious black spot along the Mbeya-Tunduma highway—after a lorry lost control and rammed into two passenger vehicles before plunging into the Mbalizi River.

The lorry, which was transporting flour from Dar es Salaam en route to Zambia, became a harbinger of devastation when its brakes allegedly failed while descending the treacherous slope.

The aftermath was one of uncontainable grief. Relatives and friends of the deceased, some inconsolable and others paralysed by shock, filled the hospital mortuary compound in search of loved ones. Wails of mourning pierced the air as bodies were identified one by one.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan conveyed her condolences to the bereaved, describing the incident as deeply saddening and urging drivers across the country to uphold the highest standards of caution on the roads.

“I pray for all the departed souls to rest in eternal peace, and for the injured to regain their health,” said the President in a statement released on Sunday.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Honourable Juma Homera, and to all families, relatives, and friends affected by this tragedy. May the Almighty grant them strength and fortitude during this trying time.”

President Samia also instructed the Police Force to intensify the enforcement of traffic laws, and directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) as well as the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) to address road infrastructure deficiencies, especially in areas known for recurring traffic accidents.

The sombre reality on the ground painted a harrowing picture. Dr Morice Martin, the acting medical officer-in-charge at Ifisi Hospital, confirmed that of the 28 fatalities, 27 were pronounced dead upon arrival, while one succumbed to injuries during treatment.

“We received a total of nine injured individuals. Seven of them sustained moderate injuries and are responding well to treatment. Two, however, are in serious condition and have undergone surgical procedures due to multiple fractures,” said Dr Martin.

The survivors, visibly shaken, recounted the horror with trembling voices. Tinah Mwampashi, who had boarded one of the passenger vehicles from Uyole, described the ordeal as surreal.

“Everything appeared normal. The driver wasn’t speeding. Then suddenly, I heard people screaming. I blacked out and woke up in hospital,” she said, her voice laden with trauma.

James Julius, another survivor, said the impact was swift and disorienting.

“I believe the lorry hit us from behind and pushed us into another vehicle. I couldn’t make out which vehicle was ahead or behind,” he said.

Eyewitness accounts have since reinforced claims that Iwambi Hill remains one of the deadliest stretches on Tanzania’s highway network. Charles Fred, a resident of the area, said he saw the lorry lose control moments before the crash.

“I noticed it flashing lights and veering off the lane while descending the slope. The drivers ahead probably didn’t realise the danger. The road is narrow, and it lacks safety features such as guardrails and sufficient signage,” he lamented.

Calls for urgent infrastructural interventions have grown louder.

Mr Yumba Aidan, another eyewitness, underscored the frequency of such tragedies on the same spot and pressed for swift implementation of the long-delayed four-lane road project.

“Iwambi Hill has claimed far too many lives. We cannot afford to delay the construction of a dual carriageway. There should also be a separate bypass route for trucks,” he said.

Historical records confirm that Iwambi Hill has become synonymous with fatal accidents.

On 22 September 2023, nine people died and 23 others were injured in a similar multi-vehicle crash attributed to brake failure.

A similar catastrophe occurred in July 2018, claiming 20 lives and injuring over 40 others.

Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Benjamin Kuzaga, said initial investigations confirmed that the driver of the ill-fated lorry, Philip Mwashibanda, lost control of the vehicle while negotiating the steep descent.

The lorry then collided with two passenger vehicles before plunging into the river below.

Commander Kuzaga confirmed that the deceased comprised 14 men and 14 women.

Among the injured are the lorry driver, who sustained multiple fractures in both legs, and the driver of one of the passenger minibuses, identified as Baraka Samuel.

In the wake of the tragedy, Mr Homera visited the accident scene and later the hospital, where he offered comfort to both the injured and the bereaved.

“The government mourns with the families affected by this calamity. We shall shoulder the full cost of medical treatment for the injured and provide financial assistance to all bereaved households,” he said.

Mr Homera Mbeya Regional Commissioner announced that each affected family would receive Sh500,000 in support, in addition to the government covering the cost of coffins for all the 28 deceased.

He further directed Tanroads to expedite the construction of a proposed bypass road linking Mbalizi to Iyunga, which would help decongest the current highway and divert heavy goods vehicles away from densely populated areas.

“We have lost too many people on this road. This should be a turning point. We must act decisively and without delay,” Mr Homera said.

As the nation comes to terms with the scale of the tragedy, questions remain about enforcement of roadworthiness standards for long-haul trucks and the timely implementation of infrastructure projects in high-risk areas.

For now, families are left with the heartbreak of sudden loss, and a community once again finds itself confronting the painful aftermath of a road disaster that perhaps could have been prevented.