Joseph Isangura
A devastating road accident in the Mbembela area of Mbeya City has claimed at least 14 lives and left over a dozen people injured, marking yet another tragic incident on the city’s roads.
The crash involved five cars, four rickshaws, and a motorcycle, with rescue and security teams responding promptly to the chaotic scene.
According to regional police reports, the accident occurred along a notoriously dangerous slope where vehicles failed to maintain control. Witness accounts described how a heavy vehicle, suspected to have brake failure, rammed into multiple smaller vehicles, creating a cascade of destruction. Victims included passengers trapped in wreckage, some of whom died instantly, while others sustained severe injuries.
This marks the second major road tragedy in Mbeya within two months. The previous incident, involving similar circumstances, claimed the lives of over ten people and injured several others, raising concerns about the state of road safety in the region.
Rescue efforts coordinated by emergency services ensured the injured were transported to the Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, where medical teams are working tirelessly to provide critical care. Local authorities, including the regional police commander, have pledged to investigate the cause of the crash thoroughly.
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Experts have highlighted factors such as poorly maintained roads, lack of vehicle inspections, and insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations as significant contributors to these incidents. Road safety advocates are calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
Tanzania’s statistics on road accidents remain grim, with thousands of fatalities reported annually. This ongoing crisis underscores the need for robust policy interventions and public awareness campaigns to address the root causes.
