Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed deep sorrow following a devastating road accident that occurred in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania, on the evening of June 28, 2025.
The tragic incident, involving two passenger vehicles, has claimed the lives of at least 37 people and left over 30 others injured.
In an official statement shared via her social media, President Samia sent her condolences to the grieving families and called for a national reflection on the state of road safety across the country.
“I have received with great sadness the news of the deaths of 37 of our fellow citizens, and injuries to 30 others, following a horrific road accident in Sabasaba,” she wrote. “I extend my condolences to the families, friends, and all those affected. May God grant peace to the departed and healing to the injured.”
What Happened?
The accident occurred in the Sabasaba area, along the busy Moshi–Tanga Highway. A long-distance passenger bus reportedly suffered a tyre blowout—a common and often deadly occurrence when traveling at high speeds. The driver lost control, veering into the opposite lane and colliding head-on with a smaller minibus. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire, trapping passengers inside.
Many of the deceased were burned beyond recognition, making identification difficult. The government has since deployed forensic teams to collect DNA samples to assist with identification, particularly for families who are still waiting for confirmation.
The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities, including Same District Hospital, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), one of the region’s top medical institutions.
President’s Plea on Road Safety
In her statement, President Samia reiterated her concern over the rising number of road accidents in Tanzania, which she had previously addressed during her June 27 speech to the 12th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania.
“As I said when closing the activities of the 12th Parliament, road crashes continue to take away the lives of our loved ones. I call on drivers to strictly follow the Traffic Act and urge the Tanzania Police Force to fully enforce the law,” she added.
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A National Wake-Up Call
This tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, regular vehicle inspections, better driver training, and emergency response preparedness—especially in rural areas like Same.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu visited the scene and hospitals treating the victims, coordinating emergency efforts with local authorities and religious leaders. In churches and mosques across the region, special prayers and vigils are being held for the deceased.
A Same District resident, who lost a family member in the tragedy, told reporters:
“We always hear about accidents, but when it happens close to home, you realize how broken the system is. We want accountability.”
The Bigger Picture
Tanzania continues to rank high among African countries with the most traffic-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common causes include speeding, overloaded vehicles, poor road signage, and lack of enforcement of traffic rules.
In response to mounting pressure, the Ministry of Works and Transport has pledged to investigate the cause of the crash thoroughly and review the safety records of the bus companies involved.
