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Nokuthaba Brita Ncube
TRAGEDY struck on Monday when a long-distance bus belonging to Green Horse Bus Company was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Mletshane River in Gwanda District on a narrow bridge.
The incident claimed one life, and a three-month-old baby is still missing.
The bus, travelling from Bulawayo to Gwanda, was carrying 75 passengers when the accident occurred around 3 PM.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident.
“On 23 December 2024, at about 3 PM, a Green Horse bus with 75 passengers on board attempted to cross a flooded Mletshane River. Unfortunately, the front-left wheel of the bus missed the bridge, causing the vehicle to plunge into the river, and it was swept away,” she said.
Insp Mangena said one passenger, identified as 33-year-old Sthembinto Dube of Mawaza Village in Gwanda District, died on the spot. The baby girl remains unaccounted for and is feared to have drowned.
Emergency services, including the police, attended the scene. The deceased was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.
Insp Mangena issued a strong warning to motorists, urging them to avoid crossing flooded rivers:
“We appeal to motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season and refrain from crossing flooded rivers. It is better to wait for the water levels to subside than to risk lives unnecessarily. Pedestrians are also advised to be vigilant when crossing rivers.”
The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the dangers posed by flooded rivers during the rainy season. Authorities are continuing their search for the missing infant. (@TheChronicle)
Online Reporter