THE death toll from the tragic road accident that occurred in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, has scaled to 42, authorities have confirmed.

As the number of fatalities increases, the government has announced that preliminary DNA test results have shown significant progress in identifying the victims’ relatives, aiding the process of proper burials.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, while outlining burial arrangements on Wednesday, July 2, called on residents of the region to turn out on July 3 at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Referral Hospital to pay their final respects to the victims.

“I also wish to thank Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan for covering all medical expenses for the injured, guiding the burial arrangements for the remaining 36 bodies, and offering condolences to all 42 families who lost their loved ones,” he said.

The horrific accident occurred on June 28, 2025, at the Sabasaba area in Mahuu Hamlet, Same Ward—approximately four kilometers from Same town. 

It involved a large passenger bus owned by Chanel One Company (registration T 179 CWL) and a minibus (Coaster) with registration T 199 EFX, owned by Mwami Trans Company.