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Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
THE number of people who died yesterday in Bubi following a head-on collision involving a commercial truck and a South African registered Ford Ranger has risen to seven after police found three more bodies at the scene.
Five of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition in the accident that occurred 65km north of Beitbridge town in the Bubi area yesterday morning.
Police officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube said the accident happened at around 8am.
“The double cab Ford Ranger was heading towards Masvingo with six passengers on board, while the white Volvo FMX truck (South African registered) towing two trailers was travelling towards Beitbridge loaded with tobacco, with no passengers on board,” he said.
“Upon reaching the 222km peg along the said road, the driver of the double cab attempted to overtake another truck, and it encroached into the right lane. Before completing the overtaking process, the vehicle collided with the truck that was heading in the opposite direction.”
Chief Supt Ncube said as a result of the collision, the Ford Ranger caught fire while four passengers and the driver were trapped in the car. They were burnt beyond recognition.
He said two other passengers were thrown outside the car and landed on the tarmac, and they died instantly.
“During the collision, the truck landed on its side and its driver escaped unhurt. The deceased are yet to be identified and further investigations into the matter are underway,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
The incident comes a few days following the death of 15 Zimbabweans in two separate bus accidents in South Africa’s Limpopo province.
Online Reporter