A speeding truck plunged into a river when its lights failed suddenly at night, killing 26 people and wounding 37 others in western Tanzania, an official said on Thursday.
The truck — which was carrying at least 70 people, mainly dealers of second-hand clothing — was crossing a bridge over the River Wale when the lights failed, regional medical chief Dr Nathanael Elias said, quoting survivors being treated at Tabora’s main hospital.
Twenty-five passengers were killed on the spot and another died shortly after being rushed to the hospital in Tabora, 740km north-west of the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, Elias said.
Some traders prefer to travel with their merchandise aboard cargo trucks to ensure that nothing is stolen before reaching the market. — Sapa-AP