Hellish bus inferno leaves survivors searching for answers

Emmanuel Kafe

LETICIA CHIGUNDURU clutches a rosary in her bandaged hand, a silent prayer for solace amidst the searing physical and emotional wounds left by last Sunday’s bus fire.

The accident victim’s voice trembles as she recounts the horrific events, her eyes reflecting a trauma that transcends the apparent burns.

The Anglican Church pilgrims’ return trip to Sherukuru in Mutasa district, from the Bernard Mizeki shrine in Marondera, turned into a nightmare, claiming the lives of nine passengers, including a six-month-old baby.

The victims — Gladys Gumiro, Winnie Chiremba, Agnes Miti, Annie Miti, Viola Nyambabvu, Bradley Mukwenhe (six months old), Charity Nyamapfene, Margret Dairo and Mrs Madzikatire, all from St Theresa and St Dennis parishes — left behind a community grappling with grief.

Chigunduru is one of the survivors battling not only physical scars, but also the psychological trauma of the tragedy.

“We begged the driver; eleven times we begged him,” she said, her voice breaking.

“The bus kept breaking down and we were worried. But he wouldn’t listen.”

Esnath Mabutu (76), another survivor who escaped with burns, vividly recalls the moment the fire erupted.

“There was an unusual smell, and the driver stopped to check the engine,” she said.

“He opened a compartment and flames just shot out.

“Smoke filled the bus and people began screaming. Luckily, our parish priest pulled me out, but my dress was already on fire.”

The harrowing ordeal began much earlier.

They departed Bernard Mizeki at 10.30am, expecting to arrive by 4pm.

However, the faulty bus stretched the journey to a gruelling eight hours. Survivors like Yvonne Madzimure (44) recounted a journey marked by thick black smoke, unsettling grinding noises and repeated breakdowns.

“These issues clearly contributed to the eventual fire,” she said.

“The bus had been producing unusual, thick black smoke the entire journey back home.

“There was also an unsettling grinding sound that is not typical for a bus.”

She is one of the six passengers rushed to the Rusape General Hospital after sustaining burns and leg injuries while trying to escape the inferno.

Faulty

Reverend Morgan Mudumo, the presiding priest, painted a grim picture of what he said was a preventable tragedy. He said electrical problems plagued the trip, forcing several roadside repairs.

Repeated pleas to the bus company owner, Mr Godfree Chikosi, for a replacement vehicle were ignored.

“Electrical problems plagued the bus throughout the trip. There were even instances of pressure loss, forcing repairs before we even reached our destination (Bernard Mizeki shrine). Unfortunately, these issues resurfaced on our return,” he said.

He said, throughout the journey to and from their destination, the vehicle was facing persistent challenges with its busbar connectors.

A busbar connector is a specialised electrical component used to establish a secure connection between two busbars or between a busbar and another electrical conductor.

Busbars are essentially large, flat strips of metal that conduct electricity at high currents.

Mechanical experts say they carry high currents and any fault in the system can lead to overheating and potential fire.

They are designed to handle specific current loads and a fault, such as a short circuit, bypasses the intended path of electricity and creates a much higher current flow through the busbar. This excessive current generates significant heat.

Rev Mudumo said despite concerns from passengers, the bus driver reportedly took a connector from a second bus travelling behind in an attempt to fix the issue.

This temporary solution proved ineffective, leading to yet another breakdown.

“We contacted the bus owner, Mr Chikosi, and expressed our deep anxieties about the continuous problems.

“Regrettably, Mr Chikosi dismissed our concerns and offered no replacement bus,” he said.

Rev Mudumo could not hold back tears, describing how people were consumed by the raging fire.

Devastating

Bishop Eric Ruwona, head of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, said the church had been devastated by the accident.

“This pilgrimage was intended as a time for spiritual growth and fellowship. Instead, it became an unspeakable tragedy,” he said.

“We, however, find some comfort in knowing that the pilgrims perished while on a journey of faith.”

The church, he said, always tries to ensure that all buses ferrying the faithful for the annual event at the shrine are in good condition.

Investigation

In the aftermath, as survivors like Chigunduru, Madzimure and Mabutu struggle to heal from the physical and emotional trauma, the authorities are working to identify the remaining victims through DNA testing. Some of the victims were burnt to ashes.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were in progress.

“We are still conducting investigations and awaiting DNA tests, which process is underway.

“We are also conducting comprehensive investigations and in due course, we will release the charges against the bus owner and driver,” he said.

The authorities say the bus company had no valid public service vehicle documentation and have since revoked its operating licence.

Global DNA Diagnostic Centre principal consultant Mr Tinashe Mugabe said it was possible to positively identify the victims from the charred remains.

“The process typically takes three to four weeks to accurately identify the person,” he said.

“The key is that the ashes must be collected from the specific location where the body was burned, or directly from the charred remains.

“As long as this crucial step is taken, it remains feasible to extract usable DNA from the ashes, even in cases where the body has been reduced to a near-complete state of incineration.”

Assistance

During a mass service held last week, Mutasa district development coordinator Mr Teddius Beto said the Government had activated the Civil Protection Unit to provide essential support, including food assistance and funeral services.

“Our director of the Civil Protection Unit, Mr Nathan Nkomo, came here and advised that the Government had accorded State-assisted funerals to the deceased, meaning the authorities will assist in the burial of the departed.

“The Government will provide coffins and transport up to the final burial place.”

Inappropriate

Passion Link Coaches owner Mr Chikosi declined to comment, citing the ongoing police investigation. It would be inappropriate for me to make any statements at this time,” he said.

“We are cooperating fully with the authorities and we will let them conduct a thorough investigation.”