admininvolving a commuter omnibus.
This brings to 39, the number of people killed in reported road accidents this month only.
National Traffic police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome yesterday said seven people died on the spot when a Toyota Hiace they were travelling in burst its left tyre and overturned three times at the 96km peg along the Harare-Masvingo highway.
Five people died on the spot while the other two died on admission at Chivhu Hospital.
Twelve others and the driver of the kombi were seriously injured and are receiving treatment in hospital.
“The kombi, which had 17 passengers on board, was travelling towards Harare when its left tyre burst.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle and swerved to the right side where the kombi overturned three times, throwing out passengers before landing on its left side,” Insp Chigome said.
He said eight more people died on the spot yesterday afternoon when a vehicle they were travelling in burst its right rear tyre and collided with a lorry at the 176km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo highway.
“The Toyota Sierra was travelling from Kwekwe towards Kadoma with eight passengers on board including the driver.
“On approaching the 176km peg, the vehicle had a tyre burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle and encroached to the right lane where he had a head-on collision with a Tata lorry,” said Insp Chigome.
Insp Chigome said the car was dragged for about 20 metres, killing eight people on the spot.
He appealed to drivers to drive within stipulated speed limits and ensure their tyres were in good condition.
“We have two issues of speed and tyres.
“Drivers should ensure their speed goes hand-in-hand with the condition of their tyres.
“Drivers should also desist from using unroadworthy tyres.”
Insp Chigome discouraged travellers from boarding private cars saying most of them were not insured to carry passengers.
Online Reporter