16 legislators, three others injured in a head-on collision

Dodoma. At least 16 legislators have been injured after a bus they were travelling in to the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Kenya, collided with a lorry early Friday, December 6, 2024.

Two parliamentary officers and the driver of the bus belonging to Shabby Bus Company were injured in the incident that occurred in the Mbande area, Kongwa District, Dodoma Region.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, on Friday, December 6, 2024, Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC) George Katabazi said the accident occurred at 2 am.

He said the accident involved a Shabiby bus carrying lawmakers and parliamentary officials and a lorry heading from Morogoro to Dodoma.

"The cause of the accident is that a Shabiby bus driver carrying MPs and parliamentary officers didn’t observe caution while overtaking a vehicle ahead leading to a head-on collision with the lorry,” he said.

He said 19 injuries have been confirmed including 16 lawmakers, two parliamentary officers, and the bus driver.

RPC Katabazi said that the bus driver had been arrested by the police allegedly for causing the accident, hinting that the victims were in stable condition.

“They are receiving treatment at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, and Uhuru Hospital,” said the regional police boss.

Providing further details, RPC Katabazi said there were eight accident victims at Mkapa Hospital including six legislators and two parliamentary officers.

"My call is for everyone to observe traffic safety laws to prevent accidents, which often cause deaths, injuries, and severe damage to properties. Drivers should avoid acts of carelessness and recklessness,” he emphasised.

He further insisted that the Dodoma Regional Police would not tolerate anyone driving a vehicle or any motorized devices without adhering to road safety rules.