Tanzania: 2 Burnt Beyond Recognition after Their Vehicle Collides with Tanker
- A nasty road crash claimed two lives in Iringa, where an oil tanker collided with a double-cabin pickup
- The tanker loaded with a petroleum product was en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when the head-on collision happened
- Two occupants in the small car were burnt beyond recognition; the truck driver, however, survived, and was arrested to aid in the probe
Iringa - Police in central of Kenya's southern neighbour are investigating a tragic road crash that claimed lives.
Source: UGC
Two people succumbed to severe burns after the vehicle they were in burst into flames after colliding with a tanker on the Iringa-Njombe Highway.
What caused tragic accident involving tanker and pickup
Police said the occupants of the Toyota double-cabin pickup were burnt beyond recognition.
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Mufindi District Police Commander Anthony Gwandu confirmed the tragic crash, attributing it to the driver's negligence.
The tanker en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was ferrying fuel from Dar es Salaam.
Both the small car and the tanker were reduced to ashes.
"The small vehicle was coming from Makambako towards Iringa and collided head-on with a tanker; both vehicles caught fire and completely burnt,” Mwananchi quoted Gwandu as saying.
Why Tanzanian police could not identify road crash victims
The occupants of the pickup are yet to be identified owing to the nature of the tragedy they encountered.
The driver of the truck survived the accident and was arrested by the Tanzanian police to aid in investigations.
“The cause of this accident is still being investigated in detail, but we are currently continuing with the initial stages of the investigation to determine the exact number of people in the minibus as well as the exact cause of the incident,” Gwandu added.
In similar news in Kenya, recently, a moment of tension was caused in Busia after a fuel tanker overturned in the Rakite area along the Kisumu-Busia Highway, triggering a dangerous rush by locals attempting to syphon fuel.
What caused overturning of fuel tanker in Busia?
According to officers from Butula, the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle while allegedly speeding toward the Kenya-Uganda border.
Source: Getty Images
Witnesses recounted the chaotic scene that followed; "the driver failed to control the vehicle before it overturned by the roadside, and within moments, residents had already gathered with containers, ready to syphon the fuel,” an eyewitness said.
The accident occurred just a few metres from Butula Police Station, putting authorities on high alert.
How Busia police officers struggled to clear accident scene
Officers at the scene struggled to keep the crowd at bay, warning them of the severe risks involved in fuel syphoning.
Despite repeated cautionary messages, many locals remained undeterred, motivated by the prospect of obtaining free fuel.
The incident has reignited concerns over the dangers of fuel theft and the recurring risks associated with overturned tankers.
Authorities have emphasised the life-threatening hazards, including the potential for fires and explosions and subsequent fatalities or injuries, toxic fumes and health risks.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
