Arusha. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has sent condolences to the families of three Mringa Secondary School students who died after being struck by a vehicle while returning home from school, Arumeru District Commissioner, Ms Neema Lugangira, has said.
Ms Lugangira said President Hassan has asked her to convey her condolences to the families of Jessica Ngotiek, Catherine Mosha and Bianca Mgongo, who died in the accident on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The district commissioner was speaking on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a special farewell service held before the students were buried in their respective homes in Kilimanjaro and Mara regions.
Ms Lugangira said she was shocked to find cargo being transferred from the vehicle involved in the accident into another lorry when she arrived at the scene.
She ordered the goods detained at Ngaramtoni Police Station until the driver was arrested, insisting that vehicle owners should also be held accountable for accidents involving their vehicles.
‘The police should also investigate drivers’ employment contracts, licences and professional competence to prevent situations in which drivers cause fatal accidents and flee, leaving vehicle owners claiming they do not know them,’ directed Ms Lugangira.
The commissioner also highlighted the difficult circumstances facing Catherine’s family, whose father is bedridden.
She said the student had previously declined a sponsorship opportunity that would have enabled her to study in a more conducive environment because she wanted to remain at home and help her mother care for her father.
Ms Lugangira directed the Council Executive Director to ensure the father was transferred to Mount Meru Hospital and that his wish to see his daughter’s coffin was fulfilled.
Arusha Regional Education Officer, Mr Vincent Kayombo, said the deaths were a major blow to teachers, who regarded their students as children entrusted to their academic and parental care.
He urged teachers to intensify road safety education while calling on authorities to strengthen driver training, vigilance and enforcement of traffic laws.
School reports indicate that the three students were standing by the roadside waiting for transport when the accident occurred.
Arusha District Council Chairman, Mr Baraka Ole Mesiaki, described the deaths as a devastating loss to the families, community and nation, given the students’ potential.
The school’s headteacher, Mr Salimu Makaka, said the institution had lost three disciplined, hardworking and caring Form Three students with promising futures.
Police Gender Desk head Tausi Mbaramwezi urged motorists to observe traffic regulations and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, warning that legal action would be taken against offenders.