On June 5, 2024, a tragic accident occurred in Mbeya, Tanzania, involving three cars, a tricycle (bajaj), a motorcycle, and a freight tricycle (guta). The collision happened on the Simike slope in the Mbembela area of Mbeya, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 18 others.
James Mwasa, a resident of Nzovwe in Mbeya, was one of the injured. He described hearing a heavy object fall on him before losing consciousness. When he woke up, he found himself in the hospital with severe injuries and pain.
The accident occurred when a truck’s brakes failed, causing it to crash into two cars before hitting the motorcycle, bajaj, and guta. The injured were taken to the Regional Hospital in Mbeya for treatment, with eight in the intensive care unit (ICU).
James Mwasa, who was riding a guta and carrying cargo, recalled the moment of impact. He saw a passenger vehicle, a Toyota Coaster, seemingly reversing before he was knocked out. Despite his severe injuries, Mwasa expressed gratitude for surviving and thanked the good Samaritans who rushed him and others to the hospital.
The Police Commander for Mbeya Region, Benjamin Kuzaga, confirmed that the truck driver lost control due to brake failure. The truck, a Scania, was traveling from Mbeya to Tunduma. It first hit a small car, a Toyota Harrier, and then a passenger bus (Coaster) before causing the fatal collision that resulted in 13 deaths and 18 injuries. The truck driver is currently in police custody.
Commander Kuzaga stated that the whereabouts of the motorcycle, bajaj, and guta drivers are still unknown. They may be among the injured or deceased. Some of the injured are in critical condition, and the police will continue to provide updates on their status.
The accident site on Simike slope is notorious for accidents. Traffic police frequently warn drivers to be cautious in this area, as well as on Shamwengo Hill. Efforts are ongoing to educate drivers, and a new four-lane road is under construction to reduce such accidents.
Gervas Fungamali, the Fire and Rescue Commander for Mbeya, reported that his team responded promptly to the accident, rescuing people and property despite the severity of the incident. He confirmed that the number of casualties would be communicated as they became known.
Witnesses at the scene had varied opinions on the causes of frequent accidents in the area. Mussa Dickson attributed the accidents to the narrow road and speed bumps, which create traffic congestion. He suggested removing the speed bumps to prevent such incidents in the future. Dickson noted that the truck driver made every effort to control the vehicle, but the challenging road conditions led to the tragic outcome.
Charles Mbando, another witness, saw the driver struggling with the brakes but unable to stop due to a traffic light. The truck eventually crashed into several vehicles. He criticized the traffic light and speed bumps, which complicated the driver’s efforts to avoid the collision.
Dr. Prosper Bashaka, an emergency specialist at Mbeya Referral Hospital, confirmed that they received 13 bodies and 18 injured individuals. Four of the injured were in critical condition and admitted to the ICU. Among the deceased were five women and one child, with the rest being men. Dr. Bashaka stated that they were continuing to provide care for the injured.
Local residents and witnesses noted that this was the first major accident in the area to result in such a high number of fatalities, although minor accidents frequently occur there.
Previous Accidents in the Area
Several other accidents have occurred on the Simike slope. On December 31, 2023, an accident involving a truck with failed brakes resulted in one death and five injuries. Another accident on December 7, 2012, involved a truck and three passenger vehicles, causing injuries but no fatalities.
