JUST IN: 12 bodies recovered in Esigodini Toyota Quantum explosion, nine identified

POLICE have confirmed that 12 bodies have been recovered following a fatal explosion involving a Toyota Quantum at the 27km peg along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road near Esigodini.

Of the 12 victims, nine have since been positively identified by their next of kin, while efforts to identify the remaining three are ongoing.

The identified victims are Thabani Moyo (37) of Old Lobengula, Nobuhle Mdlongwa (37) of Entumbane, Oscar Mdlongwa (44), Sicelesile Mabhena of Nkulumane 5, Sibusiso Mabhena (5) of Nkulumane 5, Mhlupeki Limkani Sibanda (36) of Nkulumane 5, Tedious Ncube, Precious Moyo (36) of Pumula North and Promise Brian Gabadela.

In a statement on Friday evening, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the incident occurred on April 16 at around 12.45pm when the vehicle, which was carrying 11 passengers, exploded.

“The police has established that 12 people were killed after a Toyota Quantum carrying 11 passengers exploded,” reads part of the statement.

Authorities said the bodies were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

Police have indicated that investigations into the cause of the explosion are still underway, with more details expected to be released in due course.