MWE Correspondent
A tragic incident in Masiwa, Dunda Ward, Bagamoyo District, has left one person dead after a gas cylinder exploded, sending a sharp metal fragment flying through the air.
The blast occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, shocking residents of the quiet coastal town in Tanzania’s Coast Region.
Police reports indicate that 19-year-old Musa Rashid, a local scrap metal collector, was attempting to remove the cap of a 20-kilogram carbon dioxide gas cylinder using a hammer when the explosion took place. The impact caused the cap to detach violently, hurling a heavy metal fragment nearly 10 metres away. Tragically, the piece struck Mengi Waziri, 25, who was standing nearby. She died instantly from the force of the blow.
According to Coast Regional Police Commander Salon Morcase, the body of the deceased has been taken to Bagamoyo Hospital for post-mortem examination as family members prepare for burial. The police chief described the event as a “preventable tragedy,” warning that mishandling pressurised or unknown containers could easily lead to fatal explosions.
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Commander Morcase appealed to members of the public — especially those working in the scrap metal trade — to exercise extreme caution when handling objects such as gas cylinders, oil drums, or chemical containers. “People must avoid striking or cutting materials they do not fully understand,” he said. “Many of these cylinders still contain pressurised gas or chemical residues, which can explode when tampered with.”
The accident has sparked renewed discussion about safety awareness within the informal recycling sector. Scrap collectors in Tanzania, who often work without protective gear or training, face significant risks from discarded industrial materials. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the country, raising questions about how to safely dispose of old gas cylinders and hazardous waste.
Local authorities are now urging community leaders to help educate residents about identifying potentially dangerous materials. Environmental groups have also called for stronger public-awareness campaigns and better coordination between local councils and recycling businesses to ensure that gas containers are properly emptied and certified as safe before being sold as scrap.
