A devastating bus accident claimed the lives of six choir members and left 23 others injured in the early hours of Sunday, March 30, 2025. The tragedy occurred in the Pare Mountains of Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, as the group traveled to a scheduled performance.
The incident took place around 4:00 AM on Bangalala Road, when the choir, journeying from Chome to Vudee, was aboard a coaster bus that suffered a catastrophic brake failure. According to District Commissioner Kasilda Mgeni, the vehicle lost control, began reversing uncontrollably, swerved, and overturned. The crash resulted in the immediate deaths of six passengers, all members of a local choir preparing for their event in Vudee.
Emergency responders rushed the injured to Same District Hospital, where the 23 survivors are receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased were also transported to the hospital for identification and further procedures. Authorities have launched an investigation to confirm the cause of the brake failure and assess road conditions at the time of the accident.
The choir members were reportedly in high spirits, heading to share their music with the Vudee community, when the unexpected disaster struck. The loss has sent shockwaves through the region, with local leaders and residents mourning the untimely deaths of the talented group.
This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly on routes like Bangalala Road, where mechanical failures and challenging terrain can pose significant risks. The community now grieves as families and friends await updates on the injured and prepare to honor the memory of those lost.