Songea — At least 13 people were killed and two others injured when the truck they were traveling in lost direction and plunged into a river in Songea, Ruvuma Region, on Sunday night. Ruvuma Regional Police Commander (RPC) Marco Chillya said the crash occurred at around 9 p.m. in Njoka village along the Ndongosi‑Namatuhi road in Songea District. The Mitsubishi Fuso truck, registration T 800 BXB, was driven by Thobias Njovu and was heading to Namtuhi village after a local auction in Ndongosi village.
Eye‑witnesses testified that the driver lost control, veered off the road and fell into the river, killing 13 people on the spot. RPC Chillya identified the deceased as Happy Msemwa, Jaffery Ngarimusi, Hidaya Salum, Bihesha Yahaya, Mustapha Ling’ole, Christopher Msuya, Mama Faraja and Deograsias Mapunda, along with four others known only by a single name: Mwanaisha, Hamad, Boniface and Simba. Their bodies have been preserved at the Songea Regional Referral Hospital.
The two injured persons, Hamis Mbawala and Christopher Banda, were admitted to Mpitimbi Health Centre. Initial investigations indicate that the accident was caused by the poor road condition, which was slippery due to ongoing rains. Commander Chillya reiterated the government’s order prohibiting passengers from boarding cargo trucks.
Songea Regional Referral Hospital Medical Officer Dr. Magafu Majura confirmed that the hospital received the bodies of 13 victims, comprising seven women and six men. Songea District Commissioner Wilman Ndile urged the public to continue taking precautions when traveling and to avoid boarding cargo trucks.
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