adminSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu Plumtree Correspondent
ABOUT 45 passengers escaped death after a Broock Crowns Enterprise bus they were travelling in veered off the road and overturned in Bulilima District.
The bus was travelling from Ndolwane and was bound for Plumtree when it developed a mechanical fault and veered off the road at the 19 kilometre peg along the Plumtree-Ndolwane Road at around 8AM on Tuesday.
Chief Mpini said injured passengers were referred to Plumtree District Hospital. Two severely injured women were ferried to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where they are admitted.
Eleven other passengers were treated and discharged at the Plumtree District Hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the bus hit a rock before landing on its side. Passengers escaped through windows.
Khame area councillor, Mr Tamilika Ndlovu, who escaped with minor injuries, said the bus overturned at Bhagani area in Bulilima.
“We were travelling in a bus that was coming from Ndolwane area going to Plumtree. We reached Bhagani area around 8AM and headed towards Plumtree. As we approached a curve, the driver lost control of the bus and it diverted into the bushes. It travelled for a distance of about five metres, rammed into a rock and landed on its side.
“People escaped from the bus through windows and the windscreen as it had been shattered. Some passersby also helped to remove some of the injured from the bus,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said the explanation given by the driver was that the bus developed a mechanical fault.
He said villagers mainly rely on Broock Crowns Enterprise Bus to travel to Ndolwane and it was clear that the bus had operated for a long time without being serviced.
“It would be better if bus companies serviced their vehicles as they are putting our lives in danger. Some of them continue transporting people knowing fully well that their vehicles have faults,” he said.
In a recent incident, about 65 passengers who were travelling onboard a Gatsheni Express Bus escaped death after the bus veered off the road and rammed into trees.
The bus was travelling from Bulawayo and was bound for Bambadzi in Bulilima District when it developed a mechanical fault.
The driver, Mr Rabson Ncube, revealed that the vehicle’s steering wheel developed a fault and he failed to control the bus. — @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter