On August 15, 2024, a head-on collision between two trucks in Kahama, Shinyanga resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to three others. The incident occurred at 5:30 a.m. in the Manzese area.
The collision involved a truck transporting coffee from Bukoba, Kagera, and another truck carrying juice from Dar es Salaam to Runzewe, Geita. According to Shinyanga Regional Police Commander Janeth Magomi, the coffee truck, driven by Omary Haji, collided with the juice truck, which was driven by Rajab Tabu, a driver’s assistant. The coffee truck was carrying two passengers whose identities have yet to be confirmed, and both were killed in the fire that followed the collision. The juice truck, driven by Khalfani Mikidadi, had its two feet severely injured, and another passenger, Adam, was unable to speak.
Magomi explained that the accident happened when the juice truck swerved left to avoid a stationary sand truck, leading to a direct collision with the oncoming coffee truck. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames.
The fire department arrived at the scene within minutes and managed to extinguish the fire in approximately seven minutes. Hafidhi Omari, head of the Kahama District Fire and Rescue Service, reported that the fire on the truck with registration number T195 EEY was particularly intense but was brought under control swiftly.
Eyewitness Welnton Mngeja described the aftermath of the accident, stating that one of the victims, trapped inside the burning truck, was calling for help but could not be rescued due to the intensifying flames. Another witness, Denis Temba, noted that the driver of the truck coming from Dar es Salaam lost control and collided head-on with the coffee truck before both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
Police Commander Magomi urged all drivers to adhere to road safety regulations and warned that the police will not tolerate violations. The focus remains on managing the aftermath and ensuring road safety in the area.
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