From The Arusha News Reporter in Moshi
At least 39 people lost their lives last Saturday evening in a horrific head-on collision involving two passenger vehicles on the Moshi–Tanga Highway in Same District. The crash, which occurred in the Sabasaba area, involved a Channel One bus and a Toyota Coaster, both of which burst into flames upon impact – trapping many of the passengers inside.
Authorities say the accident was likely triggered by Channel One bus front tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control and swerve into the lane for incoming traffic. The Coaster mini-bus, reportedly carrying wedding guests to Moshi, had no time to avoid the collision.
Fire quickly engulfed both vehicles, reducing them to charred shells within minutes. Emergency responders and locals rushed to the scene, but many victims were already trapped in raging flames.
“This is one of the worst accidents we’ve seen in recent years,” said Same District Commissioner (DC), Ms Kasilda Majeni, who led the government officials to arrive at the scene. “The fire was intense and fast – it left very few options for survival,” she said.
Among the deceased were 30 members of a single extended family, relatives of former Moshi Urban MP, Jaffary Michael, who confirmed the devastating loss to local media. The family had been enroute to a wedding celebration.
At least 28 people sustained injuries, and several were admitted to Same District Hospital, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital in Moshi and the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). Medical staff confirmed most of the injured were in critical condition as of Monday.
