Lorry crash on Tanzania-Zambia Highway kills 28, injures seven
What you need to know:
- The lorry, which was transporting wheat flour from Dar es Salaam to Zambia, experienced brake failure while descending the slope
Mbeya. A devastating road accident on the Tanzania-Zambia Highway has left at least 28 people dead and eight others injured after a lorry lost control and crashed into two vehicles before plunging into a ravine in Mbeya.
The incident occurred on the steep Mbalizi Hill near Iwambi in Mbeya City on Saturday, 6 June 2025. According to Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Mr Benjamin Kuzaga, the lorry, which was transporting wheat flour from Dar es Salaam to Zambia, experienced brake failure while descending the slope.
The vehicle, driven by 33-year-old Philip Mwashibanda, collided with a passenger minibus and another vehicle before all three fell into the ravine of the Mbalizi River.
“Twenty-seven people died at the scene, and the injured were rushed to Ifisi Hospital in Mbalizi. Unfortunately, one of the injured succumbed to injuries on Sunday morning, bringing the total number of fatalities to 28,” said Commander Kuzaga.
He added that the impact of the crash was severe, as the vehicles were wedged between boulders and riverbanks in the gorge, complicating rescue operations.
The accident occurred along the busy Tanzam Highway, a key transport corridor linking Tanzania to Zambia through Tunduma.
More to follow…
