FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN ARUMERU
Police in Arusha have mounted a manhunt for the driver who fled the scene of an accident that killed three Mringa Secondary School students in Arumeru District on October 30, 2026.
The victims, Bianca Juma, Catherine Pius and Jesca Sabore, were all Form Three students. The lorry reportedly struck a parked car before hitting them at Kiushini along the EAC Bypass Road.
Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, attributed the accident to careless driving, saying the driver failed to take necessary precautions while overtaking another vehicle.
Arumeru District Commissioner, Ms Neema Lugangira, said she arrived at the scene at around 10pm and found the lorry’s assistants transferring bags of cargo from the vehicle to another. She ordered them to stop and directed that the load be detained at Ngaramtoni Police Station until the driver was arrested for questioning.
Speaking during a farewell service for the students at their school on November 2, Ms Lugangira said vehicle owners must help authorities track drivers involved in fatal accidents.
She criticised the practice of allowing businesses to continue while drivers remained at large, saying owners should take responsibility for the people they employ.
Ms Lugangira said the cargo would remain at the police station until the driver was arrested. She also called for scrutiny of his employment terms, driving licence and qualifications and urged vehicle owners to ensure they hired competent drivers.
Mringa Secondary School head Salimu Makaka described the students as hardworking, disciplined and caring, saying their deaths had left the school community grieving.
Following the farewell ceremony, burial arrangements were made for Jesca in Monduli, Catherine in Mwanga and Bianca in Mara Region.
