Road accident kills 18 in northwestern Tanzania

At least 18 people died in an accident in northwestern Tanzania's region of Shinyanga, police said Monday.

Jumanne Murilo, Shinyanga Regional Police Commander, said the accident occurred at Nsalala village, Tinde ward in Shinyanga Rural District along the busiest Nzega-Shinyanga Highway.

He said that three other passengers were injured after a mini bus they were travelling in lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle and rammed into a speeding lorry.

The regional police chief cited the cause of accident as negligence by the passenger vehicle who was trying to overtake vehicle in front of him without taking considerable precautions.

He said the police is holding drivers of the two vehicles, who are being interrogated for violating road safety rules and regulations and that they will be taken to court when investigations are over.

Acting regional medical officer, Dr. Daniel Maguja confirmed to have received 18 bodies and that the injured people are being given treatment and that their conditions are better.

In September, 12 people were killed and 28 others seriously injured after a bus veered off the road and overturned in Njombe region. Endit