At least 14 people were killed and four others injured in a collision between a mini-bus and a lorry in eastern Tanzania, police said on Monday.
Jonathan Shanna, Coast Regional Police Commander, confirmed the accident, saying the accident occurred early Monday at around 4 a.m. (local time) in Dundani area in Mkuranga District, about 36 km from the country’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
The lorry, according to police, was heading to Dundani area and the commuter bus was heading to Dar es Salaam.
“The bus was carrying family members, who were going to a graduation ceremony,” he said.
The regional police chief cited reckless driving as one of the causes of the tragic accident, warning drivers to be careful when driving on highways, particularly Lindi-Dar es Salaam.
Stephen Mwandambo, Head of Mkuranga District Hospital confirmed to have received 14 bodies and four injuries, whereby one is in critical condition.
Tanzanian President John Magufuli sent a message of condolence to Coast Regional Commissioner, Evarist Ndikilo, following the deaths.
“I have been grief-stricken by the loss of 14 people who died in an accident at Dundani area in Mkuranga District, Coast Region. We have lost a huge number of fellow Tanzanians who were part of the country’s manpower,” Magufuli said in a statement issued by Director of Communication Unit, State House.
The accident came barely few days when 13 people died and 50 others injured after a bus they were travelling in overturned in south-western Tanzania’s region of Mbeya.
Reports have it that reckless driving and poor road infrastructures as among the major factors fueling road accidents in the east African countries including Tanzania.
