Mwanza, Tanzania – A tragic road accident in Mwanza has claimed the lives of four Catholic nuns, including the Superior General of their congregation, Sister Nelina Semeoni (60), and an Italian national who was also a member of the order.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning along the busy Mwanza–Musoma highway. According to police reports, the vehicle carrying the nuns was involved in a head-on collision with a truck, leaving no survivors from the car.
Regional Police Commander confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the truck driver may have lost control due to brake failure, though further analysis will be conducted.
Local witnesses rushed to the scene to assist, but the impact was too severe. The news of the deaths has shocked the Catholic community in Mwanza and beyond, as Sister Nelina was a highly respected leader who had recently returned from a mission abroad.
Church leaders have called for prayers and support for the congregation and the families of the deceased. Plans are being made for a requiem mass and burial arrangements, which are expected to attract mourners from across Tanzania and the international Catholic community.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly along Mwanza’s busy routes, which have seen several fatal accidents this year.
This tragedy comes as road safety campaigners continue to push for stricter enforcement of speed limits and better maintenance of heavy trucks to prevent such accidents in the future.
