Firefighters Injured While Rescuing Victims from Fiery Crash

Two firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Department were injured while attempting to rescue victims trapped in a car following a sudden blaze that engulfed vehicles.

This was reported today, March 28, by the Coastal Region Police Commander (SACP) Pius Lutumo while addressing the press.

RPC Lutumo identified the injured firefighters as Corporal Elias Bwire and Corporal Hamisi Kungwi, both of whom were rushed to the Mloganzila National Hospital for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

"On March 28 this year, at around 10:15 AM in the Ruvu Valley, Mlandizi Police District, Coast Region, along the Morogoro Road, Dar es Salaam, vehicle registration number T668 DTF, a Scania belonging to Sauli Company and driven by Idd Aloyce (35), a resident of Mafinga, collided with the side of a petrol tanker with registration number RAF672N and trailer with registration number RL2594, a Howo type, which was stationary to allow passage of another vehicle approaching from the front," RPC Lutumo said.

He added that the tanker was accompanied by a Golden Deer bus belonging to New Force Company with registration number RAF672N and driven by Burton Jacob (33), a resident of Mbeya, which also collided with the rear of the Saul bus in front of it, resulting in the deaths of two unidentified individuals and injuring three others.

RPC Lutumo attributed the cause of the accident to negligence on the part of both bus drivers failing to take precautions when overtaking other vehicles and maintaining distance between vehicles.

"Furthermore, preliminary investigations indicate that the engine malfunction of the Saul bus, which had hit another vehicle, caused the petrol to ignite during the rescue operation," RPC Lutumo said.

"The Coastal Region Police urge drivers to adhere to road safety regulations according to their professions, and it should be noted that drivers bear a great responsibility for people's lives and property."

The Coast Regional Commissioner Abubakari Kunenge stated that he would shut down buses that continue to violate road safety laws following the early morning accident.

RC Kunenge made these remarks while speaking to reporters at his office in Kibaha, Coast Region, stating that he, in collaboration with licensing authorities, LATRA, and the Police Force, would devise a strategy to curb accidents within the Coast Region.

"You will notice that in the Coast Region, this road is extensive, and there are many buses leaving the main bus terminal in Dar es Salaam, Mbezi. Although many buses have been inspected, we continue to monitor them here as well," he said.