Bus Carrying Fans to CHAN 2024 Opening Ceremony Catches Fire
- A bus carrying Tanzanian fans to Dar es Salaam for the CHAN 2024 opening ceremony suffered a frightening incident
- The bus caught fire in northern Tanzania just a few hours before the ceremony, and the first game pitting Tanzania against Burkina Faso
- As you’ll see in the video below, the scene shows the bus in flames, with some passengers trying to put out the fire while others scream for help
- The regional commander in the area provided an update on fatalities and explained what caused the incident
A bus carrying fans to the opening ceremony of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) caught fire in a terrifying incident.
Source: UGC
The continental competition will begin on August 2, with fans in a rush to buy tickets and travel to the stadium to watch their countries.
Where and when did CHAN fans' bus incident happen?
The bus caught fire in the Bushini area, Malenve Ward, Kwimba District, Mwanza region in Northern Tanzania.
The bus, which was registered to the Teachers' Union in Misungwi District, had a total of 45 passengers at the time of the accident.
The driver instantly noticed the fire and made sure all the passengers got off before it spread.
Luckily, all the passengers escaped unharmed.
Police explain what caused bus incident in Mwanza
Mwanza Regional Police Commander DCP Wilbrod Mutafungwa confirmed that there were no fatalities.
He further explained that the bus started emitting heavy smoke before it was engulfed in flames.
"No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident. The Police Force thanks the citizens who responded swiftly and helped save lives before police and firefighters arrived," he said as quoted by Guardian TZ.
Mutafungwa added that preliminary investigations showed that it was an electrical fault that caused the fire.
Fans reacted to bus accident before CHAN 2024
Fans took to social media accounts to share their opinions of the incident, just 48 hours before the first game.
Mzee Aloyce said,
"You’re transporting Tanzanians in a vehicle that, under normal circumstances, does not meet the standards for long-distance travel!"
Mzua Mkende said,
"Please follow up on the procedures for purchasing that car, its condition while being used, and other related matters. You might find that even the repairs were poorly done."
When is the CHAN 2024 opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony will take place on August 2 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Over 800 dignitaries are expected to attend, with the country's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa listed as the guest of honour.
Kenya's Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, is also expected to grace the occasion.
Bongo Flava star Rayvanny will headline the entertainment as Tanzania looks to set the tone for the month that is to come.
After the ceremony, Taifa Stars will take on Burkina Faso in the opening game of the tournament.
Source: Twitter
CAF puts up security measures ahead of CHAN 2024
CAF has also stepped up its security measures as it prepares for the first CHAN tournament that will be co-hosted by three countries.
The body's head of security, Christian Emeruwa, revealed that they had received guarantees from the three countries ahead of the tournament.
"The key priority for us at CAF is to make sure that we organise a safe and secure event across the three nations. We have been working closely with the local organising committees of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to make sure that we work together in developing a clear concept that will be doable and workable across the three countries," he said.
"We want to see a situation where people would experience the same service level irrespective of the countries that they are going to watch the match and this is what we have been working together with each of the countries to harmonise and agree on what needs to be done and so far I would say we are almost there, we are ready and hopefully we will get all the little I's dotted and the T's crossed before we get to the main opening itself."
Stadiums that will be used for CHAN 2024
In a related report, we highlighted all five stadiums that will be used for CHAN 2024.
Kenya will provide two stadiums while Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar will have one each.
The final will be at the Kasarani Stadium on August 30.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
