Kenyan Among Casualties in Tanzanian Sugar Factory Blast

A terrible accident has befell the Mtibwa sugar factory located in Tanzania's eastern Morogoro region.

Early on the morning of May 23rd, at 1:30 am, an electrical malfunction in the factory's heating system resulted in a devastating explosion. This incident tragically claimed the lives of 11 individuals including a Kenyan, an Indian, and a Brazilian national. Local authorities confirm that the deceased were all electrical and mechanical engineers. At the time of the explosion, they were stationed in the control room, finalizing preparations for the day's production to begin.

“We have confirmed that one Kenyan, an Indian citizen and one Brazilian have died in the incident that happened early morning on May 23 at 1:30am,” Morogoro Police Regional Commander SACP Alex Mkama said.

Those who sustained injuries were promptly transported to Bwagala Mission Hospital in Turiani Ward for medical attention. Responding swiftly to the disaster, the Fire and Rescue Brigade dispatched a team to the Mtibwa sugar factory. Their primary function was to conduct rescue operations and evacuate any personnel who may have been trapped or injured in the aftermath of the explosion.

"Two injured people have been admitted to Bwagala Mission Hospital in Turiani Ward," said SACP Mkama.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion occurred while the engineering team was readying the factory's equipment to commence sugar production. Shaban Marugujo, the Morogoro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, assured that a comprehensive report will be issued upon the culmination of the investigation.