Passenger Speaks after Bus Carrying Football Fans Catches Fire: "Safari Imeishia Hapo”
- A bus carrying 45 football fans to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opening ceremony caught fire mid-journey
- One of the passengers captured a video shortly after the fire, struggling to explain what had transpired
- The clip also showed the emotional driver weeping and unable to support himself as passengers comforted him
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Football fans headed to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opening ceremony were forced to cut their journey short after the bus they were travelling in caught fire.
Source: Youtube
The bus was ferrying 45 passengers to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the event that would mark the beginning of the CHAN 2024 tournament, set to kick off on 2 August.
What happened to CHAN 2024 fans' bus?
One of the passengers shared a video moments after the bus burst into flames, trying to explain what had transpired.
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He noted that the bus was burnt beyond recovery, describing the experience as terrifying.
“As you can see, the bus we were on caught fire. Our driver is very emotional, but we still do not understand what happened,” he said.
The passenger added that they were unsure of what steps to take next, as they had already covered a considerable distance towards Dar es Salaam.
“Our journey ends here,” he remarked.
Why was bus driver crying?
The driver of the ill-fated bus broke down in tears, overwhelmed by emotion, as fellow passengers held and consoled him.
Another video, recorded by a witness in a vehicle behind them, showed the driver explaining what had happened.
“We were in the vehicle behind them and saw smoke coming from the bus. We alerted the driver, who pulled over and had all the passengers exit safely,” the witness said.
The driver expressed gratitude that no one was injured and that all passengers survived the terrifying incident.
“I thank God we are all safe,” he said, kneeling in thanksgiving.
Source: Youtube
Where did bus heading to CHAN 2024 ceremony catch fire?
The driver confirmed that the bus belonged to the Misungwi District Teachers’ Union in Mwanza, Tanzania. It caught fire in the Bushini area of Kwimba District, Mwanza.
Mwanza Regional Police Commander, DCP Wilbrod Mutafungwa, confirmed the incident and said the bus began emitting heavy smoke, which gave the 45 occupants time to evacuate before it was completely engulfed in flames.
He reported that preliminary investigations indicated the fire was caused by an electrical fault.
Netizens express joy after passengers survive
Social media users reacted with relief, thanking God that no lives were lost. Others offered spiritual reflections, urging the survivors to seek divine protection.
Rose Mayige:
“When the devil wants to destroy you, he comes disguised as an angel of light, offering things he knows you will accept and enjoy. And because you don’t recognise him, you accept them, and it ends up like this! But Jesus has saved you so that you may turn to Him and be saved.”
Atifalslam:
“Thank God you all survived. May Allah grant you long life and continue to protect you from such dangers, here and elsewhere.”
Rosemary Malya:
“A vehicle can be replaced, but a human soul cannot. We thank the Almighty God for saving you from that accident. Amen.”
What caused Guardian Angel bus fire?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that several passengers cheated death when a Guardian Angel bus caught fire along Nairobi’s Waiyaki Way.
The fire reportedly started from the rear wheels of the bus after they jammed, before swiftly spreading to other parts.
Firefighters were alerted and responded promptly, managing to contain the blaze. All passengers were safely evacuated.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
