Eleven missionaries with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) were killed in a bus crash in Tanzania on over the weekend. They are among more than 25 who have died from injuries.
The ministry confirmed the loss of its members through a statement on its website. “It is morning time in Tanzania, and we are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of another three of our dear missionaries as a result of the tragic traffic accident,” the statement said.
For security reasons, the names of the deceased have been released without full names or nationalities. The individuals remembered are Claire M., Zabulon T., Emmanuel D., Vicent K., John M., Blaise G., Ime E., Andrew D., Chimene D., Lova R. and Lordienne N. Additionally, the ministry provided updates on those injured: Mathurin B. and Joelle Z. are in critical condition, and Paul Dav., Isaac B., Janet F., Cyrille A., and Benjamin N. are in stable condition. Isaac B. has since been released to return home.
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The accident, attributed to a suspected brake failure of a truck in the Ngaramtoni suburb of Arusha, involved four vehicles and resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including three foreigners, and injured 12 others. Among the vehicles involved was one carrying students and teachers from New Vision School of Arusha and a public bus. The injured were taken to major hospitals in the city, including Mount Meru referral hospital and Selian Lutheran Hospital, for treatment.
Among the dead is prominent African leader John M., who it has been said “changed cultures” in Africa, said Jon Matas, an American YWAMer. John M. built schools for girls as an alternative future from child bride and polygamy, Matas said.
Local and international leaders from YWAM are gathering to support the team on the ground, faced with the details of repatriation, medical evacuation, family support, funeral arrangements and many other logistics. The ministry has invited contributions to help with these expenses, estimating the cost at around $350,000.
“Thank you to those who are already contributing,” YWAM said. “Thank you for helping to ease the financial burden for those bearing the weight of this significant loss to our family in Africa. A team of leaders on the ground in Arusha, a crisis response team in Kona, Hawaii, and other key leaders have been working nonstop to respond in a loving, compassionate and responsible way to this tragedy that impacts so many,” the ministry said, urging the public to respect the privacy of the families involved.”
Financial contributions can be made at Campaign Giving (site.com).
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice