TANZANIA: TEC Sends Condolences to President Magufuli on Morogoro Fuel Tanker Tragedy
Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has sent condolences to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. John Pombe Magufuli following an oil truck accident which caused deaths of approximately 85 people and several injuries. The condolence message was issued by the Chairman of TEC Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga on behalf of all bishops and the Catholic Church in Tanzania.
Bishop Nyaisonga has stated that the Catholic Church in Tanzania has received with great sadness a report of an oil truck accident that occurred on August 10, 2019 in the Msavu area of Morogoro Region in the central part of Tanzania.
TEC has also offered condolence to the deceased family members, friends, the people of Morogoro Region and the United Republic of Tanzania in general for the loss of their loved ones, as they offer prayers for all victims to recover quickly.
“The Catholic Church in Tanzania sends condolences to Mr. President and to all citizens. We urge Tanzanians to support the families who have lost their loved ones and who have suffered trauma during this difficult time,” he said.
At least 71 people were killed on the spot and 59 injured when a fuel tanker exploded on a busy road in Tanzania, Government spokesperson Hassan Abbas said. The vehicle overturned on the road in Morogoro, 175 kilometres (109 miles) west of Dar es Salaam. An eyewitness said the truck was going at a high speed and was trying to avoid a motorcyclist on the main road near a Msamvu bus station when the driver appeared to lose control and the truck overturned.
The people died while trying to collect petrol leaking from the overturned fuel tanker, which eventually exploded. By August 16, the number of deaths had increased to 86 as some who were severely injured have been transferred to the National Hospital Muhimbili in Dar es Salaam succumbed to the burns.
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By Sarah Pelaji, Dar es Salaam
