Twenty-one people have been killed and five others injured after a passenger bus collided with a cargo lorry at Kiponzero Junction along Tanzania’s Iringa–Mbeya Highway, with preliminary reports pointing to suspected brake failure.
The accident involved a bus operated by Maokoto Bus Services and occurred in the Masumbo area of Iringa Region on Monday, November 9, 2026, as the vehicle travelled from Wasa Village in Iringa District towards Iringa town.
According to the Iringa Regional Police Commander, ACP Allan Bukumbi, preliminary information indicates that the bus developed a problem with its braking system as it entered the main highway from a dirt road.
The suspected mechanical failure left the driver unable to bring the bus to a stop or maintain control before it collided with the lorry at the junction.
Police confirmed that 21 people died in the crash, while five others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention. Their conditions had not been immediately established.
The victims comprised 10 men, nine women and two children, according to figures released by the police on Monday morning.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed condolences to the families of the 21 people killed in the accident, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
In a statement, the President said she had received the news of the deaths with deep sorrow and extended her sympathies to Iringa Regional Commissioner Kheri James, the bereaved families and all Tanzanians affected by the tragedy.
She also prayed for comfort, patience and strength for the bereaved, and asked God to grant those who lost their lives eternal rest.
The collision has left several families mourning their relatives, while the identities of those who died and further details about the injured were yet to be fully communicated by the authorities.
Reports from Tanzania indicate that the accident happened as the bus joined the Iringa–Mbeya Highway from a feeder road, with the impact involving the two vehicles resulting in multiple fatalities.
The five survivors were taken for treatment, with authorities expected to provide further information on their conditions as investigations and follow-up efforts continued.
Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and determine the exact cause of the accident.
Although initial information points to a possible brake system failure, the final findings are expected to establish whether mechanical problems or other factors contributed to the crash.
The latest accident adds to road safety concerns in Tanzania, where collisions involving passenger buses and heavy commercial vehicles have resulted in significant loss of life.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys, observe traffic regulations and exercise caution when approaching major highways and junctions.
