UAE offers condolences to Tanzania over tragic bus collision

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the United Republic of Tanzania following a devastating bus crash in the Kilimanjaro region that left 38 people dead and dozens more injured.

In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) extended its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Tanzania. The UAE also wished a swift recovery to those injured in the tragic incident.

The fatal accident occurred on Saturday evening in the town of Sabasaba, Kilimanjaro region, when a bus collided with a minibus after one of its tyres burst, causing the driver to lose control. Both vehicles caught fire following the impact.

According to a statement from the Tanzanian presidency on Sunday, 38 people were killed—including two women—and 28 others sustained injuries. Due to the severity of the burns, 36 bodies have yet to be identified. Six people remain in hospital for treatment.

Road accidents are a persistent issue in Tanzania. A 2018 World Health Organization report estimated that between 13,000 and 19,000 people died in road crashes in 2016, significantly higher than the official government figure of 3,256.