One student dies, several injured in bus rollover

ONE student tragically died, and several others sustained injuries after a Falcon College bus overturned at the 35km-peg along the Bulawayo-Gwanda Highway.

The accident occurred yesterday afternoon as the students were returning from a rugby match in Harare.

There was a sombre atmosphere at the scene of the accident as onlookers watched rescue services working hard to free some of the injured students that had been trapped in the overturned bus.

One student was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident which happened in a stretch of the road, commonly known as “Danger”, while several others were taken to Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, acting Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said.

A total of 56 students were travelling from a rugby match in Harare where Falcon College played St George’s College on Saturday.

“The Bulawayo Fire Brigade and several ambulances attended to an accident scene where a Falcon College bus overturned while returning from a rugby game and one learner was pronounced dead at the scene while several others who were trapped in the bus were rescued and taken to Mater Dei Hospital.

“The Bulawayo Fire Brigade team on the ground worked tirelessly to rescue the trapped learners in the accident that occurred on the 35km-peg along the Bulawayo-Gwanda Road,” said Mr Moyo.

In a statement, Falcon College said the parents of the deceased student have been notified of his untimely death.

“Following the initial communication sent out, it is with deepest sadness that I write to advise you of the passing of Aidan O’Donovan (Upper Sixth, Tredgold) in the bus accident this afternoon. There are no adequate words at a time like this and we are all deeply affected.

“We have chartered a flight for Aidan’s parents and they are en route to Bulawayo. Please keep the O’Donovan family and everyone who loved Aidan in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

“Bradley Wentzel suffered a broken arm and is at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo with his parents. There are a few children and staff with minor cuts and injuries. They are also at Mater Dei Hospital being treated and checked out,” said Falcon College chairman of the board of governors, Mr Philip Whaley, in a statement to parents and guardians.

A senior police officer who attended the accident scene said the area where the accident occurred received light showers earlier in the day making the road slippery.

“We implore drivers to exercise extreme caution along that stretch of the road as it tends to be very slippery when the area receives rains, including light showers,” said the police officer.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena said she was yet to receive a report of the accident.