AT LEAST 40 people have died after two buses crashed into each other before bursting in flames on a highway.

Dozens of terrified passengers were trapped inside the flaming vehicles as they battled to escape the two wreckages.

Another 30 people were injured with many being rushed to hospital for treatment.

Those on one of the large coaches were heading to a wedding ceremony, according to local media.

The collision happened on Saturday evening in the Sabasaba area along the MoshiTanga highway in the Kilimanjaro region.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan said: “I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends.

“May God grant peace to the souls of the departed and a quick recovery to the injured.

“May He comfort and strengthen their families during this difficult time.”