Deadly Explosion at Tanzanian Sugar Factory Claims Eleven Lives

MVOMERO, Tanzania — Eleven people were killed and two others injured in a tragic explosion at a sugar factory in Tanzania's eastern district of Mvomero, authorities reported. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a heavy-duty steam pipe burst as workers were starting production, according to the fire and rescue team.

Among the deceased are not only Tanzanian nationals but also citizens of Brazil, India, China, and Kenya, officials confirmed. The explosion took place at approximately 01:00 local time on Thursday (23:00 GMT Wednesday) at a factory operated by Mtibwa Sugar Estates Limited, one of Tanzania's primary sugar manufacturers.

Alex Mkama, the regional police commander, stated that his team is investigating the cause of the incident. The blast specifically affected the electrical and machine staff who were working in the control room at the time.

In the wake of the explosion, Mtibwa Sugar Company has suspended all production activities at the factory, which is one of the largest in the country. The bodies of the deceased workers have been transferred to the mortuary of the factory's hospital.

This devastating event has cast a somber mood over the region, prompting calls for a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future. The international nature of the victims highlights the widespread impact of the incident, affecting families and communities across multiple countries. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the exact cause of the explosion and ensuring the safety of workers in the industry.