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Although there were no casualties, some of the passengers were reportedly injured during the commotion as they struggled to get out of the kombi, some through windows.
Police spokesperson for Bulawayo province Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said they were yet to receive any report yesterday. But witnesses said an unidentified woman nearly died after being trampled on by other passengers.
There was reportedly a cloud of smoke from the driver’s side, which quickly spread inside the kombi before fire started.
However, the crew reportedly swiftly put out the fire using a fire extinguisher before it could spread although the front part of the kombi was burnt.
A woman who spoke to Chronicle on condition she remained anonymous said she could not believe she escaped because the kombi was filled with smoke inside.
“The kombi had just dropped off one passenger when suddenly its front lights went dim. The driver hesitated to stop but when he had driven a few metres from there, we saw smoke from his side,” said the witness.
“The smoke immediately spread inside the kombi and everybody was now choking because of the smoke. People panicked and as the driver stopped the kombi some jumped through the windows while others scrambled at the door.
“It was no longer visible inside the kombi and a woman who appeared to be a student because she was carrying books fell by the door and everybody trampled on her as they rushed out.”
The witness said she sustained a swollen knee as she jumped through the window while another man fell on his back and others got injured as well.
“The woman remained unconscious for some time and they carried her away from the kombi after everyone had disembarked and laid her on the ground. Some vehicles had also stopped after seeing the fire. We boarded other kombis and left those who appeared seriously injured including the woman who was unconscious,” said the witness.
It could not be established whether those who were injured were taken to hospital.
Online Reporter