The death toll of the traffic accident that occurred at Changarawe village in Mafinga, Mufindi District, Iringa Region, on Wednesday morning increased to 50 people on Thursday after eight casualties died in hospitals.
Eight bodies were identified by relatives by Thursday. On Wednesday morning, 42 people who were travelling in a bus christened Majinja died instantly as 23 others were seriously injured after a container which was carried by a truck fell on the Dar es Salaam-bound bus from Mbeya.
Iringa Regional Police Commander, Ramadhani Mungi said most of the identified bodies are Mbeya traders from Soweto market saying they are yet to recognize eight people who died on Thursday.
However, he said, the identification process is going on at Iringa Referral Hospital and Mufindi District Hospital.
Mr Ramadhani Mungi, said from the scene of the carnage yesterday that the accident occurred at Changarawe village at around 10 am.
He said the container fell on the bus as the truck driver was attempting to avoid potholes along the road. "The container fell on the bus with registration number T 438 CDE when the truck carrying the container swayed while attempting to avoid potholes along the road," he narrated.
According to Mr Mungi, the accident was caused by the truck driver whose identity was not immediately established, as he was attempting to avoid the potholes while on high speed.
The Iringa Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms Amina Masenza, said the deceased's bodies were taken to Mufindi District Hospital mortuary for preservation pending collection by their relatives.
She said the injured persons were taken to the same hospital for medical treatment, while those in critical condition have been referred to the Iringa Regional Referral Hospital.
Following the accident, President Jakaya Kikwete has sent a condolence message to the RC, saying the nation has suffered a great loss.
"I'm shocked, saddened and pained from the bottom of my heart to learn that over 40 people died and several others were seriously wounded in the grisly accident," Mr Kikwete said in a statement issued by the Directorate of the Presidential Communications in Dar es Salaam.
President Kikwete assured the bereaved families that he was with them "during this hour of great need." He wished the injured passengers speedy recovery.
Iringa Chief Medical Officer, Robert Salim said the identified bodies have been collected by their relatives.
Friday 13 March 2015
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