An early morning explosion on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Mtibwa Sugar Factory in the Morogoro region of Tanzania, East Africa resulted in the death of 11 workers. Among the deceased were three foreign nationals hailing from Kenya, Brazil and India. The explosion was due to an electrical failure that led to a steam pipe rupture, explained regional police chief Alex Mkama.
The accident occurred as the technical team was preparing the machinery for the day’s operation. Two other workers suffered injuries and were initially treated at Morogoro Hospital. They were later transferred to a more equipped medical facility in Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania, for advanced care.
According to Mkama, “The explosion happened so suddenly. The team was getting ready to start production when the steam pipe burst.” The explosion took place around 1:30 AM local time at the sugar factory, one of the main sugar producers in Tanzania, with an annual production capacity of approximately 77,162 US tons.
The factory has suspended all operations pending further investigations into the cause of the explosion. Dr. David Ruchamisa, who was in charge of the initial treatment of the injured workers at Morogoro Hospital, said their conditions were critical. “They have injuries to the face, chest, abdomen, legs, and hands. Their condition required immediate transfer to a better-equipped facility in Dodoma,” he stated.
The tragedy has profoundly affected the factory’s workforce. Nicolaus Ngowi, a representative of the Factory Workers’ Association, expressed grief over the incident. “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 said.
In response to the tragedy, Mtibwa Sugar Factory has declared three days of mourning and has committed to covering all funeral expenses of the deceased. Assurance was given by Seif Seif, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Mtibwa Sugar Factory, that the company is devoted to supporting the victims’ families and taking measures to prevent such 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 said. “We are taking immediate steps to review and enhance our safety protocols.”
The incident has highlighted the importance of strict safety measures in industrial settings. The factory’s decision to stop production underscores the gravity of the situation. Juma Palamba, an electrician who survived the explosion, shared his experience, “It was a matter of seconds. If I hadn’t left the room, I wouldn’t be here today.”
The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the mortuary at the factory’s hospital, awaiting further arrangements. The foreign nationals will be transported to Dar es Salaam, with their respective embassies facilitating repatriation.
