Confirming the accident, Busega’s District Commissioner Garbriel Zakaria said that the accident involved a Land Cruiser that rammed on an incoming PSV van killing 11 on the spot and three dying while being taken to hospital.
The 6 journalists were on convoy with Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Robert Gabriel, who were said to be travelling for official duties. Four of them were said to have died on the spot together with their driver.
“A minibus was trying to overtake another vehicle, then it collided with the vehicle carrying journalists and government officials,” said Mr.Zakaria at the scene of the accident.
“It’s true that the accident has now claimed the lives of fourteen people, 11 people died on the spot. A few minutes after the injured were taken to Nasa health centre, three others passed away.”
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has since, through her twitter account, condoled with the friends and families of the deceased.
“I am shocked by the deaths of 14 people, including six journalists, who passed away this morning after a car they were travelling in collided with a PSV. I send my condolences to the families, journalists and friends who have lost their loved ones. May God rest the souls of the deceased in peace and may the wounded heal quickly,” wrote President Samia.
The journalists who died have been identified as Johari Saan, Husna Mlanzi from ITV, Van Charles from Icon TV, Abel Ngapemba, Regional communication officer, Anthony Chuwa from Habari Leo Digital, Steven Msengi, Ukerewe Communications officer and Paul Silanga, the driver.
Another 6 people were injured during the incident and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
