Joseph Isangura
At least ten people were injured Monday evening when a commuter train operated by the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) derailed while en route from the heart of Dar es Salaam to Pugu.
The accident took place around 4:05 p.m. at a busy railway-road intersection along Kawawa Road, disrupting one of the city’s key urban transport lines. According to a statement from TRC, the train — carrying approximately 1,200 passengers across 12 coaches — saw six carriages derail in the crash.
Among the injured were eight women and two men, who were quickly rushed to Amana Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. While officials confirmed their hospitalization, details regarding the severity of their injuries have yet to be disclosed.
The exact cause of the derailment remains unclear. TRC officials noted that an investigation is currently underway to determine what led to the incident. “We are committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring passenger safety,” said a spokesperson for the corporation.
Despite the disruption, rail service between Kamata Station and Pugu is expected to resume on Tuesday morning, pending inspection and repair of the affected stretch of track.
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The derailment raises fresh concerns over the state of rail infrastructure in Tanzania, even as the country pushes forward with modernization efforts. Public transport, particularly via train, plays a vital role in easing traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
Over the past decade, the Tanzanian government, through TRC, has invested in major upgrades to both standard gauge and urban commuter systems as part of its broader strategy to enhance connectivity and reduce dependency on road transport.
As urban development expands, experts stress the need for improved safety protocols, regular maintenance, and better coordination between road and railway systems to prevent similar incidents.
TRC has extended its sympathies to all those affected and promised to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
