ARUSHA, Tanzania, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two passengers have died while 42 others were injured in a road accident in southern Tanzania's region of Ruvuma, police said on Sunday.
The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the bus, carrying 44 people, veered off the road and overturned, said Gemini Mushy, Ruvuma Regional Police Commander.
Mushy said police have launched the search for the bus driver who is said to have escaped to an unknown place shortly after the incident.
He said that the accident involved a bus printed "Kisumapai transport", which was heading to Songea Municipality from Mbambabay, an area on the shores of Lake Nyasa.
Mushy explained that the 42 injured passengers were sent to Mbinga District Hospital, where 33 were treated and discharged while 9 who were noticed to have been seriously injured are still in hospital nursing their wounds.
According to the police, reckless driving and mechanical failure are among the causes of the accident.
The road leading to southern Tanzania has been notorious over the years for the high number of fatal accidents usually blamed on irresponsible drivers.
Deadly motor accidents are frequent in the east African nation where roads and highways are often pot-holed.
