Bongani Ndlovu
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
EIGHT people, including a newborn baby, reportedly died last night after a vehicle was swept off a low-lying bridge by the flooded Tshangamutope River in Mulula, Insiza District.
The victims were reportedly travelling in a Toyota Noah which was washed away while attempting to cross the flooded bridge.
According to a voice note circulating on social media, the group had been travelling in a vehicle belonging to a man identified as Njabulo. Upon reaching the Shangamtope River bridge, Njabulo reportedly expressed concern that the bridge was flooded and said he was unwilling to cross.
However, another passenger, Mthandazo, allegedly disagreed, insisting that the bridge was passable. The voice note claims there were eight other people in the vehicle, with Njabulo making nine occupants in total.
It is alleged that Mthandazo offered to take over driving, arguing that Njabulo was inexperienced. Njabulo reportedly got out of the vehicle, maintaining that he would not attempt the crossing.
Mthandazo is said to have driven onto the flooded bridge, after which the vehicle was quickly swept away by strong currents and capsized in the river. The voice note claims that eight people, including Mthandazo, died inside the vehicle.
Online Reporter