Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu, [email protected]
FOUR people were injured in a collision between a Gatsheni Bus Services and a Howo truck yesterday around 3 PM at the 75km peg along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road.
The truck allegedly encroached into the bus’s lane; which was heading to Bulawayo.
The Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the incident, saying the injured were quickly taken to local hospitals, where their conditions are reported to be stable.
Among the injured is the bus driver, Mr Member Ndlovu, a 58-year-old resident of Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb, who suffered a deep cut to his brow, along with pain in his right leg and chest.
The bus, which was carrying 32 passengers, was struck on its right side by this Howo truck, which was towing a trailer and had only the driver aboard.
“The truck driver encroached into the bus’s lane and rammed into it. Both vehicles came to a stop on their wheels upon impact,” Insp Banda said.
The injured passengers include Samukeliso Nkomo, a 25-year-old woman from Entumbane, who sustained cuts on her right leg, left thigh and left foot; she was treated at Bembesi Clinic. Peter Matopi, a 52-year-old from Mambane Village in Gokwe, suffered a cut on his left palm, while 83-year-old Richard Ndlovu from Tiki Village, Tshongogwe, sustained lacerations to his forehead. Both were also treated at Bembesi Clinic and are in stable condition.
Inspector Banda urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly with the rainy season approaching.
He noted that roads in Matabeleland North can become slippery and deceitful, especially in winding areas such as Cross Dete to Kamativi and Cross Dete to Hwange.
“Drivers must remain vigilant and avoid speeding in all weather conditions,” Insp Banda advised.
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