Transport Minister Mhona tours Esigodini disaster scene after 16 killed

THE Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, is this Friday morning touring the scene of the horrific road traffic accident that claimed the lives of 16 passengers, mostly mourners, along the Bulawayo–Esigodini Road on Thursday.

Minister Mhona is accompanied by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director, Mr Munesu Munodawafa, as well as teams from the Civil Protection Unit, as authorities intensify investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

While initial reports indicated that all the deceased were travelling from a funeral in Nkayi en route to Gwanda, it has since emerged that the Toyota Quantum had picked up additional passengers at Maks Garage, some of whom were reportedly heading to South Africa.

Preliminary findings further suggest that the vehicle may have been carrying explosives, raising concerns over possible safety violations and the exact cause of the fatal incident.

President Mnangagwa on Thursday declared the accident a State of Disaster, paving the way for urgent Government intervention and support to affected families.

Authorities are expected to provide further details following the minister’s tour, as the nation continues to mourn the lives lost in one of the country’s deadliest recent road accidents.