On Thursday, May 23, 2024 an explosion at the Mtibwa Sugar Factory located in the Morogoro region, Tanzania, East Africa resulted in the tragic death of 11 workers.
The explosion was triggered by an electrical short causing a steam pipe to burst, as the team was preparing machinery for the day’s production, according to regional police chief, Alex Mkama.
The deceased included employees from Kenya, Brazil, and India, underlining the factory’s diverse workforce. Additionally, two workers were injured and initially received treatment at Morogoro Hospital before being transferred to Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, for advanced medical attention.
“The explosion happened so suddenly,” Mkama said. “The team was getting ready to start production when the steam pipe burst.”
The Mtibwa Sugar Factory, one of the key sugar producers in Tanzania, produces a minimum of roughly 77,162 short tons annually. Following the explosion, which occurred at 1:30 AM local time in the control room, the factory has halted all operations for ongoing investigations into the accident’s cause.
Describing the condition of the injured workers as critical, Dr. David Ruchamisa, who initially treated them, said, “They have injuries to the face, chest, abdomen, legs, and hands. Their condition required immediate transfer to a better-equipped facility in Dodoma.”
The blast had a profound impact on the factory. Nicolaus Ngowi, a representative of the Factory Workers’ Association, emphasized the tragedy’s depth. “This tragedy deeply saddens the association and the workers. We urge everyone to cooperate during this difficult time and prioritize safety in the workplace,” Ngowi stated.
In response to the tragedy, the Mtibwa Sugar Factory declared three days of mourning and promised to take care of all funeral expenses for the victims. The company’s Board of Directors Chairman, Seif Seif, assured the company’s commitment to support the victims’ families and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives. We will do everything we can to support them during this difficult period,” Seif stated. “We are taking immediate steps to review and enhance our safety protocols.”
Juma Palamba, an electrician and survivor of the explosion, narrowly escaped the blast as he had stepped out of the control room to answer a phone call. “It was a matter of seconds. If I hadn’t left the room, I wouldn’t be here today,” Palamba said.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to the mortuary at the factory’s hospital, awaiting further arrangements. The foreign nationals will be transported to Dar es Salaam, and their respective embassies are facilitating repatriation.
