ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN ZANZIBAR RISE BY 21.7 PERCENT AS CENTRAL DISTRICT RECORDS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CASES

By Maryam Nassor

Road traffic accidents in Zanzibar increased by 21.7 percent in May 2026, with Central District recording the highest number of accidents among all districts, raising concerns over road safety.

Speaking to this reporter in Mazizini, Unguja, the Spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Government Statistician, Fahima Abdulla, said a total of 28 road traffic accidents were recorded in May 2026, compared to 23 accidents reported in April 2026.

She said Central District recorded six (6) accidents, accounting for 21.4 percent of all accidents reported during the month. North 'A' and West 'B' districts followed, each recording four (4) accidents.

Compared to May 2025, when 14 accidents were reported, the number of accidents doubled to 28 in May 2026.

A total of 49 victims were involved in the reported accidents, including 40 men and nine (9) women. North 'B' District recorded the highest number of victims with 10, representing 20.4 percent of all victims.

The number of fatalities increased by 11.1 percent, from 18 deaths in April 2026 to 20 deaths in May 2026. Central District recorded the highest number of fatalities with six (6), while West 'B' District had the highest number in April with four (4).

Year-on-year, road traffic deaths increased by 33.3 percent, from 15 deaths in May 2025 to 20 deaths in May 2026.

The number of injured victims also increased by 45 percent, from 20 in April to 29 in May 2026. North 'B' District recorded the highest number of injuries with nine (9), while Mkoani District had recorded seven (7) injuries in April.

On an annual basis, injuries increased by 52.6 percent, from 19 in May 2025 to 29 in May 2026.

Most of the victims were cyclists and motorcycle riders or passengers (21), followed by passengers (19), pedestrians (7), and drivers (2).

Most accidents occurred between 12:01 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., 9:01 a.m. and 12:00 noon, and 12:01 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with five accidents recorded during each of these time periods.

Of the 28 accidents reported in May 2026, 18 were attributed to speeding, while 10 resulted from driver negligence. South Unguja Region recorded the highest number of speeding-related accidents (7), while North Unguja Region recorded the highest number of accidents caused by driver negligence (4).

The Office of the Chief Government Statistician has urged road users and relevant authorities to strengthen compliance with road safety regulations in order to reduce accidents and their consequences.