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Freeman Razemba Harare Bureau
THE government has declared as a state of disaster the accident in which 26 people died while 46 others were seriously injured when a Zupco bus heading for Mutoko and a Pioneer bus travelling to Harare side-swiped along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway on Sunday morning.
The death toll from the accident rose to 26 yesterday after one more person died at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The declaration of the accident as a state of disaster means that the affected families will receive a coffin, $200 each and transport from government.
Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday said they had managed to identify 16 of the people who died in the accident.
They are the Zupco bus driver Nyasha Matika, 45, of Belvedere, Pioneer bus driver Lovejoy Chabota, 45, Munashe Mudzengerere, 17, of Mbare, Tawengwa Matyora, 10, and Fortunate Kuyere, 9, both of Kadyamusungwa Village, Mutoko, Movert Chikata, 6, of Bwanya Village, Lucia Chabata, 12, Agness Sakurangana, 26, of Katsvairo Village in Chief Nyachoma’s area and Tafadzwa Chinyama, 12, of Johane Village in Mutoko.
The others are Tanaka Chinyama, 7, Tashinga Chinyama, 7, Nyaradzo Chihowa, 32, Silvester Mudzengerere, 14, of Mbare, Belinda Mutize, 18, of Unit N, Seke, Lydia Nyakabawu, 17, of number 216 Herbert Chitepo, Avenues, Harare and Patrick Mupemi, 30, of number D13, ZRP Masasa Camp, Harare.
“The other 10 bodies have not yet been identified,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is, therefore, appealing to relatives who may be missing their relatives to check with the police at Parirenyatwa police post.”
Of the 26 dead, 24 died on the spot while the other one – believed to be the driver of the Zupco bus – died a few hours later on his way to Parirenyatwa Hospital. The 26th person, a woman, died yesterday.
The Pioneer bus driver was among those who died on the spot in the accident which occurred near the 35-kilometre peg at around 10.40AM.
The Zupco bus, which had 58 passengers, was travelling to Chisambira in Mutoko, while the Pioneer bus with 41 passengers on board was coming from Nyamapanda heading towards Harare.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Obert Mpofu and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday visited 13 of the injured who are still admitted at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Minister Chombo said government was going to assist the bereaved families to bury their relatives.
“Government through the Acting President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the accident a state of disaster and will assist with the burial,” he said.
“The accident is quite unfortunate and we would like to convey our condolence message to the bereaved families.”
Minister Chombo said he was grateful to note that several people from Mutoko, including Mutoko East legislator Cde Ricky Mawere were assisting the family members.
Minister Mpofu said it was sad when the country’s major roads had become death traps.
“It is very clear that there is an urgent need for government to repair and widen roads. It is also necessary to adjust speed limits to suit the conditions of our roads until the roads have been widened,” he said.
Parirenyatwa Hospital officials said they received 50 people injured from the accident, but 37 of them had since been treated and discharged.
Three of the 13 still admitted at the hospital were in a critical condition, while the others, including a two-year-old girl, who sustained injuries and bruises all over their bodies were in a stable condition, but still in a state of shock.
The two-year-old girl, Tawananyasha Chinyama was travelling with her two sisters and a brother who all died in the accident.
According to officials at the hospital, the girl was admitted as an unknown person until her father Vengai Chinyama pitched up.
Another 13-year-old girl Kudzayi Mutedza yesterday failed to give an account of what transpired as she was still in a state of shock.
“I don’t know what happened,” she said after being asked about the accident by Minister Chombo.
Oswald Mazarura, 50, said he was seated near the Zupco bus’ door when the accident occurred.
“I think I was served by some iron bars that are near the door,” he said. “Someone who was seated next to me died during the accident and I can’t believe what I saw when the accident occurred.”
Mazarura, who is based in South Africa, had come to Harare to collect his passport.
Relatives of the deceased yesterday visited Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary where they were also addressed by Cde Mawere who informed them that they were going to get assistance from government.
Pioneer Coaches company officials yesterday expressed sadness at the accident.
“We’re deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery.
“At Pioneer Coaches we’re committed to the safety of our valued passengers, a value we hold dearly and have upheld since inception. Whilst investigations are ongoing, we promise to continuously improve on our safety standards as we come to terms with this unfortunate incident.
“May the departed souls rest in eternal peace,’’ read a statement from the bus company.
Online Reporter