Horrific traffic accident kills 13, injures 18 more in Tanzania’s Mbeya region
Scene of vehicles that collided on the Simike slope in the Mbembela area of Mbeya City, causing 13 deaths and 18 injuries. PHOTO | SADDAM SADICK
What you need to know:
- The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 along the Simike slope in the Mbembela area, involved three cars, a three-wheeler, motorcycles, and a truck.
Mbeya. "I felt a heavy object hit me," recounted James Mwasa, a resident of Nzovwe, one of the injured in a devastating accident that claimed 13 lives and left 18 others wounded.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 along the Simike slope in the Mbembela area, involved three cars, a three-wheeler, motorcycles, and a truck.
It all started when a truck failed to brake and collided with two cars and other vehicles, leading to the fatal outcome.
Thirteen individuals lost their lives instantly, while 18 sustained injuries, necessitating their transfer to Mbeya Regional Hospital for urgent medical attention. Among the injured, eight were reported to be in critical condition.
Mwasa, speaking to The Citizen, described the harrowing moment of impact, expressing gratitude for his survival amidst severe injuries. He acknowledged the swift assistance provided by bystanders, which likely saved lives.
Police Commander SACP Benjamini Kuzaga confirmed the grim toll, detailing the sequence of events and attributing the cause to the truck driver's inability to control the vehicle after brake failure. The driver is under police custody pending further investigation.
"A Scania truck with registration number T 979 CVV and its trailer T 758 BFU coming from Mbeya-Tunduma lost control and hit a Toyota small car 'Harrier' with registration number T 120 DEL before hitting the Costa with registration number T 167 DLF coming from Tunduma with passengers, resulting in 13 deaths and 18 injuries."
Equally being investigated is the drivers of the three-wheeler and the motorcycle.
"We are taking steps with drivers, including education, but this is a steep area, and with the construction of the four-lane road underway, such accidents may disappear," said the commander.
Efforts are underway to monitor the condition of the injured while educating drivers on road safety, particularly in hazardous areas like Mount Shamwengo.
Witnesses offered varying perspectives, citing road narrowness and inadequate lighting as contributing factors. Calls were made for improved road infrastructure and lighting to mitigate future accidents.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, played pivotal roles in rescue operations and providing immediate medical care to the injured.
Dr Prosper Bashaka, overseeing medical interventions at the hospital, provided insight into the casualties, emphasizing ongoing efforts to save lives and support recovery.
