Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THREE Bulawayo school children are fighting for their lives in hospital, after they were struck by a vehicle while walking home from school in Hillside suburb on Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Dundee Drive and Hamilton Road.
According to police, the three pupils, two girls from Emganwini suburb and a boy from Nketa 8, all aged 16, sustained serious injuries when they were hit by a Honda CR-V.
In a statement, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.
“Police in Bulawayo confirm receiving a report of a serious road traffic accident which occurred along Dundee Drive and Hamilton Road in Hillside, Bulawayo, where three schoolchildren were injured,” she said.
Insp Msebele said the accident occurred at about 3.30pm on Monday.
“It is alleged that an 81-year-old woman from Bulawayo CBD was driving a Honda CR-V due north along Dundee Drive with no passengers on board when she hit three students who were walking due south along the same road while coming from school,” she said.
The impact left the teenagers with serious injuries.
“As a result of the accident, the three juveniles sustained serious injuries and were ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical attention, where their conditions are serious,” said Inspector Msebele.
Police have not yet disclosed the nature of the injuries sustained by the pupils, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are continuing.
The incident comes amid growing concern over road traffic accidents involving pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren who are often vulnerable during peak traffic periods when travelling to and from school.
Road safety campaigners have repeatedly called for motorists to reduce speed in residential areas and near schools, warning that even momentary lapses in concentration can have devastating consequences.
Insp Msebele appealed to drivers to remain vigilant at all times, especially when travelling through areas frequently used by children.
“Police urge all motorists to always exercise extreme caution and keep a proper lookout, especially for schoolchildren when driving, to avoid accidents,” she said.
Statistics from police have shown that pedestrian-related accidents continue to account for a significant proportion of road traffic incidents recorded across the country, with children among the most vulnerable road users.
Authorities have consistently urged motorists to obey speed limits, remain alert and anticipate the unpredictable movements of pedestrians, particularly near schools, residential suburbs and shopping centres.
Police said further details would be released as investigations progress.
