Online Reporter
Africa Moyo-Deputy National Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared the Deka Bridge road traffic accident in Hwange District a State of Disaster, in terms of the Civil Protection Act.
The accident killed eight and injured six pilgrims after a vehicle they were travelling in plunged into the Deka River last Saturday morning.
The accident involved a Toyota Noah vehicle carrying the pilgrims travelling from the Makwa Roman Catholic Church to Hwange Town.
Declaration of a State of Disaster enables the Government to mobilise and coordinate the necessary support and resources required to assist the affected families, facilitate funeral assistance for the deceased, and provide medical support to the injured survivors.
In a statement yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said preliminary reports indicated that the vehicle plunged into the Deka River at around 6am.
Minister Garwe said the injured were receiving treatment at Hwange Colliery Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased had been conveyed to the same institution pending identification and burial arrangements.
Emergency services led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with support from Civil Protection structures, responded swiftly to the scene and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are underway, added Minister Garwe.
Government extended its condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Minister Garwe said the tragedy should serve as a reminder to motorists and all road users to prioritise road safety at all times to safeguard lives.
The Deka Bridge area has previously recorded several fatal road traffic accidents, prompting repeated calls for motorists to exercise caution.
The driver of the Toyota Noah, Fanuel Mathe, who survived the crash, has been charged with culpable homicide.
He is assisting the police with investigations.
On Monday, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash were continuing.
“I confirm that he has been charged with culpable homicide. This is standard procedure where there is an accident that results in deaths.
“Investigations are instituted to determine what happened,” he said.
“So, this process of investigations involves the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) and Police Traffic,” said Insp Banda.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hwange declared three days of mourning starting Monday until today to honour the deceased.
Bishop Father Raphael Ncube said during the mourning period, all Masses would be dedicated to the departed congregants.
