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Four Carmelite Missionary Nuns Killed in Tanzania Crash Near Mwanza Airport

Investigators are still reconstructing the collision with a heavy truck, according to church authorities.

Overview

  • The Union of Major Superiors of Italy and the Carmelite Missionary Sisters officially confirmed the deaths and provided initial details.
  • The victims were identified as Sister Maria Nerina De Simone, 63, Sister Lilian Kapongo, 55, Sister Damaris Matheka, 51, and Sister Stellamaris Muthini, 48.
  • The nuns were traveling by SUV toward Mwanza airport to return to Italy when their vehicle struck a heavy truck.
  • The driver of the vehicle also died, and another sister was hospitalized in very serious condition.
  • Church leaders, including Bishop Salvatore Rumeo, issued condolences as reports noted the congregation’s deep ties between Italy and East Africa.