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The Herald, March 10, 1979
AN ambulance carrying three injured people from the scene of a road accident was involved in a three-car collision at the intersection of Beatrice Road and Remembrance Drive yesterday morning, which left three people injured.
Police said the accident occurred at about 8am. The ambulance had just attended a road accident in Tafara, and was taking the injured – two men and a woman, to hospital.
It approached the intersection with its siren on, but came into collision with a pick-up crossing the intersection.
Both the ambulance and pick-up rolled, the ambulance then came into a collision with the second car, which was stationary.
The three patients in the ambulance were Mrs Karambo Syodia of New Tafara, who had cuts to the face from the first accident, Mr Lovemore Mutisa, who broke a leg, and Mr Fillimon Mukombe of Tafara who had cuts from the first accident.
None of them suffered further injuries in the second accident. The three passengers in the pick-up Mr Cassis Sithole and Mr Rassen Jugenge, both of Old Highfield and Mrs Idah Kudya, of Engineering Lines, Highfield, all suffered minor injuries.
The driver, Mr Elias Chimyuku of Glen Norah was not hurt and neither was the driver of the ambulance, Mr Cavan Boyd, or his assistant.
Extra ambulances were then called to take the injured to Harare Hospital. Police said the accident held up traffic for an hour at the intersection.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Emergency vehicles, the world over, are supposed to be respected and given the right of way, especially when their lights are flashing and they are sounding their sirens.
It is always important for road users to exercise caution when approaching an intersection whether its controlled by traffic lights, signs or whether one has the right of way. This is particularly important in the current situation obtaining in the country, especially in large cities, where drivers now have a general disregard for road rules.
When accidents occur, it is important for the police to attend to the scene as soon as possible to ensure that it is properly recorded and cleared to avoid disruptions in the flow of traffic.
Online Reporter