DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's President John Magufuli on Saturday sent a condolence message to victims of a road accident in Kagera region as the death toll rose from 13 to 15.
Magufuli, who is in Arusha region on his presidential campaign ahead of the general elections, delivered his condolence message to the bereaved families through the Kagera regional commissioner Marco Gaguti.
"I have learned with shock and sadness the death of 15 Tanzanians. May they rest in peace," said Magufuli, praying for quick recovery of those injured in the grisly accident.
The president directed authorities overseeing road safety to ensure that motorists observed road regulations and rules to avoid accidents that claimed lives of innocent people.
Michael Mntenjele, Ngara district commissioner in Kagera region, told Xinhua earlier that at least 13 people were killed on the spot and 11 others were injured after their mini-bus overturned in the morning.
He said the mini-bus overturned three kilometers away from Ngara town at around 10 a.m., after its brakes failed when descending a steep hill.
"Most of the 11 injured passengers are in serious condition and doctors are trying to save their lives at Murugwanza designated hospital," said Mntenjele. Enditem
