Joseph Isangura
A tragic road accident has shaken the southern highlands of Tanzania, claiming the lives of at least 28 people and injuring eight others after a lorry lost control and plunged into a ravine on the Tanzania–Zambia Highway near Mbeya.
The accident happened on the night of Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the notoriously steep Iwambi Hill, a section of road known locally as Mbalizi Hill, just outside Mbeya City. According to police, the truck—loaded with maize flour and en route from Dar es Salaam to Zambia—experienced brake failure while descending the hill.
As it sped downhill, the lorry rear-ended two vehicles: a Mitsubishi Rosa minibus and a Toyota Lite Ace, before all three plunged into the Mbalizi River gorge. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but by then, 27 people had already lost their lives at the scene. One of the injured later died in hospital, pushing the official death toll to 28.
The truck was being driven by Philip Mwashibanda, 33, who survived the crash and is currently helping police with investigations. Officials suspect mechanical failure, but some eyewitnesses believe excessive speed may have been a contributing factor.
Among the deceased are 12 women and 16 men. Police say they have successfully identified 19 bodies, while nine remain unnamed. The eight survivors—six men and two women—are currently being treated at Ifisi Hospital.
Speaking to the press, Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga described the crash as “horrific,” noting that the vehicles were mangled between rocks in the valley, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed her sorrow following the tragedy. In a heartfelt message posted on her social media pages, she sent condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those we lost. May God give you strength during this painful time. I also pray for quick recovery to all who are injured,” she said.
In her message, President Samia called for urgent improvements on high-risk road sections like Iwambi Hill. She directed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) and the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura) to assess the conditions and enhance safety features such as guardrails and signage.
This is not the first time the area has seen tragedy. In past years, several deadly accidents have occurred along the same stretch. In September 2023, nine people were killed and more than 20 injured when another truck lost its brakes on the same hill.
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Local authorities, led by Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Homera, have announced that the government will support families with burial expenses and cover medical costs for the injured. The commissioner also reaffirmed plans to construct a dual carriageway and a truck bypass road to reduce future risks.
The Tanzania–Zambia Highway, also known as the Tanzam Highway, is a key regional corridor linking East Africa to Southern Africa. However, the steep hills and poor vehicle maintenance often lead to fatal incidents, especially involving overloaded trucks.
According to the World Health Organization, Tanzania has one of the highest rates of traffic-related deaths in the world, with thousands of lives lost annually.
This latest crash is a painful reminder of the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and strict enforcement of traffic laws to protect lives on one of East Africa’s busiest trade routes.
