Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
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FRESH details have emerged surrounding the tragic commuter omnibus fire near Matongo Primary School, in Senga suburb, Gweru with allegations that a container of petrol placed near the vehicle’s battery may have triggered the blaze that claimed the lives of seven pupils.
Of the seven, two are boys and five are girls.
The driver and his conductor, along with 11 more pupils have been taken to hospital after suffering various degrees of injury.
Authorities were still investigating the exact cause of the fire, but preliminary information points to possible negligence on the part of the vehicle crew.
Public Service Commission Midlands Provincial Coordinator, Mr Andrew Chimanyiwa, said they were attending Heroes Day commemorations at the Midlands Provincial Heroes Acre when news of the disaster reached them.
“It’s total negligence, the driver and the conductor had a 10 litres jerry can with petrol which they placed closed to the battery after loading the children and the vehicle exploded,” he said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Matongo community, with distraught parents and relatives gathering at the school seeking information about their children.
Witnesses said the vehicle caught fire shortly after pupils had boarded.
