Misungwi. Twelve people have lost their lives and three others suffering injuries after a minibus they were travelling in veered off and plunged into Lake Victoria at Kigogo ferry.
The
accident occurred early yesterday when the driver of the minibus, which
was heading to Sengerema from Mwanza lost control due to brake system
failure.
The Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr
Ahmed Msangi confirmed the accident, adding that two people were still
missing and that the search team was busy looking for them.
“Currently, the police force is searching for two passengers who are still missing,” the police boss told The Citizen.
The
RPC added: “ The accident occurred after brake systems of the minibus
failed, so the driver could not control the vehicle. I was a few metres
from Igogo ferry, thus it veered off the road and plunged into the
lake.” Speaking to reporters at the area where the accident occurred, Mr
Msangi said the number of passengers on the ill-fated bus could not be
established immediately.
The bodies of the deceased
were sent to Bukumbi Medical Centre while the three passengers who
survived are admitted at three different hospitals in the region.
Speaking
about the accident one of the eye witnesses, Mr Amos Stephen said they
rushed to offer their assistance in the rescue mission, but were ordered
to stop by the ferry management.
“We were told to wait
for rescuers from Mwanza, but after some time we decided to ignore
their order and we managed to pull off 10 bodies,” said Mr Stephen.
Meanwhile, President John Magufuli yesterday sent his condolence message
to the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr John Mongela and families of
the deceased.
According to the statement issued by
State House Director of Presidential Communication Unit, Mr Gerson
Msigwa, Dr Magufuli said he was shocked with the deaths.
“I’m
deeply shocked with the incident, which took lives of 12 people, I’m
praying that their family will keep calm during this difficult moment,”
said President Magufuli in the statement.
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