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Bus crash death toll rises to 18
2005-08-16 08:48:24
By Lusekelo Philemon
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The wreckage of a Shabaha Express bus is parked at Chalinze Police Station in Coast Region yesterday after the vehicle collided with a lorry near Msata Township, killing 18 people and injuring 33 others on Sunday.The bus was travelling to Dar es Salaam from Arusha. (Photo: Khalfan Said) |
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The number of people who died in Sunday’s horror bus accident near Msata Township, Coast Region, has risen to 18.
Sixteen people died on impact while two succumbed to their injuries as they were undergoing treatment at Tumbi Hospital in Kibaha.
Tumbi Hospital Acting Medical Officer-in-Charge, Dr Andrew Lwali told The Guardian yesterday that the two were among 33 people who had been admitted to the hospital after the crash and added that one casualty had been transferred to Muhimbili National Hospital for specialised treatment.
Dr Lwali said the bodies of the dead were being preserved at the hospital’s mortuary.
He said that only five of the dead had so far been identified by their next of kin.
Dr Lwali identified the five as Ngowi, Dominick Mwella, Bryson Macha, Salehe Juma and Idd Abdallah.
He said the rest of the casualties were improving, adding that he did not expect the death toll to rise further.
Those still admitted as of midday yesterday were: Hana Wabugaa, Cecilia Paulo, Francis Msolo, Tabu Yusuf, Yusuf Hassan, Fares Kawa, Mary Kawa and Sakina Omari.
Mariamu Mlemba, Rose Mathisa, Allan Kweka, Pankary Synth, Idrisa Cheketo, Tausi Juma, Harson Moregi, Ipoliti Anseli, Janet Bayi, Irene Mshana and Paskali Paulo are also undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The others are Erensia Mwami, Florence Mtaki, Abdallah Mfaume, Bimto Mawazo, Christa Mbonea, Onesmo Olotu, Richard Joachim, Hidaya Juma and Barikieli Mfangoro.
Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC) Ali Mbilikira said the accident occurred when the trailer of an articulated lorry travelling in the opposite direction sliced through the left-hand side of the Shabaha Express bus as the coach was overtaking another vehicle.
Mbilikira said the drivers of the two vehicles had been arrested and would appear in court this week.
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