Tanzanian president shocked at deadly road accident

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on Saturday expressed shock at Friday's road accident in the northwestern Butiama district, Mara region that has killed 37 people and injured 79 others.
"I have received with shock news of the ghastly accident that has killed 37 innocent Tanzanians," said the president in his condolence message to Mara acting regional commissioner, Evarist Ndikilo.
"I also console bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in the accident," Kikwete said, expressing wish that the 79 injured persons, including two local journalists, will have a quick recovery.
Minister for Transport Harrison Mwakyembe said on Saturday that the government will conduct a nation-wide operation aimed at identifying drivers who have no required qualifications.
"Most of road accidents are caused by unqualified drivers," said Mwakyembe after a visit to the scene of the accident.
"We should not continue losing the lives of innocent people because of unqualified drivers," added the minister.
Mwakyembe said the operation will last for six months and drivers found lacking qualifications will be dealt with accordingly.
The Mara regional police commander, Philip Kalangi, said 35 out of the 37 bodies have been identified and collected by relatives.
He said 19 of the injured persons were in critical condition and had been referred to Bugando Hospital in Mwanza city for specialized treatment.
"Most of them suffered broken limbs and fractured heads," he said.
Thirty-six people died on the spot, one in hospital and scores of others were injured after two buses collided head on when they tried to avoid an overtaking car in Butiama district in Tanzania's lake zone region of Mara.