Six pupils of Makatane Primary School at Mbangamama Ward, Mbinga District in Ruvuma Region, died on Tuesday of a mysterious disease.

Reports from Mbinga said that about 20 pupils and some adults have been hospitalized at Mbinga District Hospital, after falling sick.

The deceased were pupils at the school located some 15 kilometres from Mbinga town.

Eyewitnesses say symptoms of the disease included severe abdominal pains, headache and losing consciousness.

A former councillor of the ward, Mr Samweli Msuha, confirmed the incident, saying the residents of the area had panicked and were now confused.

The Chairman of Mbinga District Council, Mr Jackob Kulemba, also confirmed the incident adding that a team of medics have been deployed to the area.