Youth With A Mission (YWAM) announced that 11 missionaries affiliated with the organization died in a severe traffic accident last weekend in Arusha, Tanzania.
“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,” YWAM said in a statement Sunday morning. “Eleven of our friends are now with Jesus. Two are still in critical condition in the hospital.
“As a movement, we gather around all those impacted by this tragedy, their families, and their communities. We are working to meet all the pressing practical, financial, and emotional needs that arise,” YWAM continued.
As reported by The Christian Post, about eight people died in the accident on Saturday.
“It is with great sadness that we are confirming that 8 of our dearly loved friends and honored missionaries have passed away as a result of the tragic traffic accident,”YWAM said. “Additionally, several others, including the bus driver, have also passed away.”
One of two buses involved in the crash carried YWAM leaders and candidates and took significant damage. Meanwhile, the other bus returned safely to the YWAM campus in Arusha. A number of individuals were hospitalized in critical condition.
Overall, 15 were killed in the accident, including three foreigners, and injured 12 others. According to Xinhua, the cause of the accident, which involved four vehicles, is attributed to a suspected brake failure of a truck in Arusha’s Ngaramtoni suburb of Arusha.
Justine Masejo, the Arusha regional commissioner, noted that one of the vehicles involved in the crash carried students and teachers from New Vision School of Arusha and a public bus.
“Two hours ago, we learned of a bus accident in Arusha, Tanzania, with YWAMers who had gathered there attending a University of the Nations Executive Masters course intensive. Facilitators and candidates of the course were traveling together in two buses, when one was hit by a truck,” YWAM said in its first update Saturday morning.
YWAM also posted a link where people can donate.
Image credit: ©Getty Images/Matt Gush
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
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