Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A TOTAL of 40 out of 45 passengers injured in the Hungwe Coaches bus accident in Gweru on Wednesday morning have been discharged from Gweru Provincial Hospital (GPH), where they had been receiving medical attention. The remaining five are reported to be recovering well after undergoing successful surgeries.
Tragically, three of the critically injured passengers required limb amputations in life-saving procedures.
A swift response by the Gweru Fire Brigade and key stakeholders in the security sector was instrumental in rescuing passengers who were trapped in the cross-border Hungwe Coaches bus. The vehicle overturned after failing to navigate a roundabout, killing five people on the spot, including a four-year-old child.
The injured passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to GPH for urgent treatment.
The bus, which was travelling from Francistown in Botswana to Harare, was carrying cross-border traders and their luggage — bundled at the back — when the accident occurred around 7am near the Fairmile Hotel roundabout.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Sleiman Kwidini, visited the injured passengers at the hospital on Thursday evening and commended the medical personnel for their swift and professional response.
He said the quality of care provided reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, adding that logistical support for the injured and bereaved families is being arranged.
“As Government, we are pleased with what we saw and heard at the hospital ward. I spoke to some of the patients, and they assured me they are receiving excellent care from our practitioners. We have systems in place, and everything is progressing smoothly. I want to thank our medical team and encourage them to continue their good work,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
Reflecting on the broader state of the healthcare system, he noted that the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, has been working tirelessly to ensure that health service delivery meets the needs of all citizens.
“Since the advent of the Second Republic in 2017, efforts have been made to ensure patients receive quality healthcare services across all provinces — be it in Bulawayo, Mashonaland, or Manicaland. Patients who have received care can testify to the improvements,” he said.
Acting Provincial Director for Local Government and Public Works, Mr Charlton Murove, praised the rapid response by rescue teams and medical staff, which he said was critical in saving lives despite the severity of the injuries.
“Our investigations so far indicate that the bus was insured, and the insurer will cover the medical expenses for those recovering in hospital. We are also working with a local funeral insurance company to coordinate the necessary arrangements for the burial of those who sadly lost their lives. We are monitoring the situation closely and will step in where needed,” he said.
Gweru Provincial Hospital Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr Johannes Mukwembi, detailed the emergency procedures carried out by his team.
“We received a total of 45 patients immediately after the accident. Five were in critical condition, while 40 required less intensive care. All 45 were attended to, and 40 have since been discharged,” he said.
Dr Mukwembi confirmed that three of the critically injured patients underwent amputations to save their lives.
“I can safely say that all major procedures have now been completed, and the patients are responding well to treatment. One patient has been transferred to Harare for further evaluation at the family’s request. Everything is under control,” he said.
