adminon the spot and in hospital on Tuesday when the overloaded omnibus burst a tyre and overturned.
A total of 35 people have been killed in commuter omnibus accidents since last Saturday.
Another 19 people were killed in a commuter omnibus crash in Concession on Saturday.
Police Deputy spokesperson Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka, yesterday said police had so far advised relatives of only two of the 16 victims.
EARLIER REPORTS
The two are Yvonne Chamanwa (23) of Chishakwe Village in Mutare and Acquiline Mademutsa (57) of Old Highfield in Harare.
He said eight people, three male adults, three female adults and two juveniles have not yet been identified.
The injured are still admitted at Rusape District Hospital.
Chief Supt Mandipaka said indications were that the majority of the victims sustained severe head injuries.
“Our national traffic police are investigating the scene of this fatal accident and we encourage anyone who had a relative in this bus to contact Rusape Police Station,” he said.
The accident happened when an overloaded Harare-bound commuter omnibus burst its left rear tyre and overturned in Nyazura.
Nine passengers died on the spot and others on admission at Rusape District Hospital.
The 26-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus, which belongs to Matanhire Bus Company, had 35 passengers on board when the tragedy struck.
Manicaland Provincial Governor Christopher Mushowe yesterday sent a condolence message to the bereaved families.
He said each of the families would receive US$375 in terms of the Civil Protection Act.
Governor Mushowe urged drivers to be cautious when driving public vehicles.
“From the look of things the driver, Mr Wellington Chimbwanda (34) was inexperienced since reports we are gathering are that he got a licence in 2008. Three years down the line, he is now driving public transport that must be driven by someone who has more than five years experience. However, we send our deepest sympathy to the bereaved families on this loss,” he said.
Vice President John Nkomo yesterday sent a message of condolence to the family members of the 19 people who perished in the Concession accident.
He said: “We have once again been engulfed by dark clouds as we try to come to terms with the loss of innocent lives due to the senseless carnage on our roads. On behalf of my office and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to send sincere condolences to the bereaved families for the untimely loss of their beloved ones and to the African Apostolic Church for the loss of some members of their congregation.”
Online Reporter