Eleven members of the Christian organisation Youth With A Mission were killed in a bus crash in Tanzania last Saturday.
Two buses from YWAM were returning from a course to their campus in Arusha when one of the buses was hit by a truck and sustained significant damage, along with two other vehicles. The other bus made it safely back to the Arusha campus.
An accident involving four vehicles occurred in the Ngaramtoni suburb of Arusha, northern Tanzania, on 24th February, 2024. PICTURE: Video screen grab/Wasafi Media/YouTube.
The injured were taken to nearby Arusha hospitals.
In an early statement from YWAM University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii, the organisation confirmed that eight people had died.
“It is with great sadness that we are confirming that 8 of our dearly loved friends and honored missionaries have passed way as a result of the tragic traffic accident involving multiple vehicles on Saturday, February 24th, near Arusha, Tanzania,” the statement said. “Additionally, several others, including the bus driver, have also passed away.”
“Our hearts go out to all the families, friends and team members affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
YWAM Kona later updated the statement to say that three more people had passed away.
“Eleven of our friends are now with Jesus,” they said. “Two are still in critical condition in the hospital.”
One of the injured has been released from hospital.
YWAM has released the first names and last initial of those involved, but withheld their full names and nationalities due to security reasons.
Local and international leaders from YWAM are gathering to support the team on the ground, who are now faced with many details of repatriation, medical evacuation, family support, funeral arrangements, and many other logistics,” said a statement from the organisation.
Arusha, red pin, in northern Tanzania. PICTURE: Courtesy of Google Maps.
Video of the missionaries before the crash has been released on Facebook, showing them singing the worship song, Worthy is the Lamb, before setting out on a field trip for the day.
YWAM co-founder Darlene Cunningham released a separate statement encouraging members to take hold of God’s promises through this tragic time.
“I have found myself in these days lifting my right arm toward heaven, and extending my hand to the Lord saying, ‘I feel like I’m slipping, but I hang onto Your strong right arm and know that I can be secure in Your loving care!’ And then I hang on with all my might,” she wrote.
Local African media outlets have reported that a total of 25 people died in the accident which occurred on the Arusha-Namanga highway, with 21 others injured.
It is believed the construction company truck that struck the mini-van had hit the other vehicles due to failing brakes.
Police are still searching for the driver of the lorry, who is alleged to have fled after the accident.
YWAM have set up the Arusha Accident Response Fund in the hope of raising $US350,000 to cover the costs of the logistics to help the families bring their loved ones home.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent a message of condolence and urged increased vehicle inspection and traffic law enforcement to prevent further loss of lives.
“These accidents take the lives of our loved ones, national workforce and family members. I continue to call upon everyone to follow traffic laws in the use of vehicles,” Suluhu wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I send my condolences to family and friends who lost their loved ones. May the Almighty God rest them in peace! Ameen!”
– With reporting by FREDRICK NZWILI/Religion News Service
One Response
“Weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning .” Ps 30. Darlene Cunningham’s response is very tender as well as powerful for me to read. I likewise love to imagine my own husband, a fellow YWAMER, along with Loren and numerous others, there to greet them! The joy in heaven…!