Unguja. Passengers escaped unhurt after a daladala they were travelling in caught fire following an electrical fault, causing panic at the Jamhuri Garden stand.
The incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, while the vehicle, which operates between Bububu and Darajani in Zanzibar Town, was dropping off and picking up passengers.
The sudden fire alarmed passengers and people around the stand as smoke began coming from the vehicle.
Passengers were able to leave before the flames spread further, while people nearby joined efforts to keep the situation under control.
The fire was largely contained through the quick response of the vehicle’s crew, members of the public and the Fire and Rescue Force, preventing what could have been a serious accident.
According to the driver, Mr Hafiz Suleiman Ali, the vehicle began emitting light smoke shortly after he arrived at the stand.
“I tried to act quickly by switching off the vehicle and attempting to disconnect the battery terminal to cut off the electrical connection, but the fire began spreading rapidly,” he said.
He said attempts to put out the fire using water were unsuccessful because the fire extinguisher was not within reach, allowing the flames to spread further.
The vehicle’s conductor, Mr Jumaedi Haji, said the electrical short circuit started from the dashboard while they were carrying out their normal operations.
He said the driver immediately ordered passengers to get off the vehicle after noticing the problem.
“I acted quickly and called the Fire and Rescue Force. I commend them because they arrived within a short time,” he said.
A firefighter who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media said officers arrived shortly after receiving the report and managed to contain the blaze.
An eyewitness, Fan Said Salum, said some young people later wanted to enter the vehicle to retrieve their belongings, an action that could have put their lives at risk.
“I was impressed by the speed of the Fire and Rescue Force today. They arrived within five minutes and helped put out the fire,” he said.
The Security and Safety Committee Chairman and Urban District Commissioner Dr Said Haji Mrisho commended firefighters for containing the blaze, which he said could have caused serious damage to a nearby temporary market.
The district commissioner urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly inspected and stressed the importance of having insurance.
“The government plans to phase out old daladalas and introduce modern electric buses to improve the safety of public transport,” he said.
The incident raised concerns about the readiness of transport operators to deal with fires.
The driver’s efforts to disconnect the battery were intended to stop the electrical supply, but the flames spread before he could bring the fire under control.
The burnt vehicle has since been taken to Madema Police Station for investigation and further legal action.
The public has been urged to continue using emergency numbers, including 144, to report emergencies promptly.
