Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared the horrific road traffic accident that claimed 17 lives in Chitungwiza yesterday a national disaster, thereby paving the way for urgent State support and assistance to the grieving families.
The declaration was announced by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe during an emotionally charged address to bereaved families at a local funeral parlour today.
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Hunyani Bridge along Seke Road when a commuter omnibus collided with a 30-tonne haulage truck, resulting in one of the country’s deadliest road disasters in recent memory.
Minister Garwe assured the public that investigations into the cause of the crash are underway and said measures will be put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the nation mourns, funeral arrangements are being coordinated by the Government, while counselling and psychosocial support services have been availed to the affected families.
The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and improved infrastructure to curb the country’s rising number of fatal road accidents.
