Bongani Ndlovu
Raymond Jaravaza in Filabusi
THE death toll of the fatal accident that claimed the lives of six Highlanders fans along Filabusi Road on Sunday could have been higher, had it not been for the swift response from the Insiza Rural District Council’s fire brigade.
This was said by the Insiza Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Sheperd Tshuma, in the aftermath of the crash that occurred 15 kilometres before Amazon Shopping Centre along Filabusi Road.
Mr Tshuma said the fire brigade reacted promptly to extricate survivors trapped in the two vehicles – a white Honda Fit and a grey Nissan NV350 kombi.
“As soon as the call came in, our fire fighters rushed to the scene to rescue survivors trapped in the two vehicles and the ambulances ferried them to the district hospital.
“In the past we would rely on emergency teams from Gwanda or Bulawayo to attend to such accident scenes. We have since acquired a fire tenders using devolution funds and we have a six member fire brigade that responds to emergency calls ranging from velf fires, mine accidents to road accidents,” he said.
Six Highlanders fans died on the spot while four others were injured when Nissan NV350 kombi they were travelling in rammed into the rear of a tipper truck near the Amazon area, about 15km before Filabusi, on Sunday.
The fans were travelling to Filabusi after attending the Highlanders vs Herentals match in Bulawayo when the accident occurred.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the accident, saying an Insiza Rural District Council-trained rescue team responded to the scene and helped extricate the trapped casualties.
“This accident happened 15km before Filabusi Amazon area. It was a Nissan NV350 combi with 10 passengers heading to Filabusi from the Highlanders match. The vehicle rammed at the rear of a tipper truck,” said Mr Moyo.
He said six people died on the spot while four others were injured.
“Our Insiza trained RDC team responded, attended and extricated the trapped casualties,” he said.
Online Reporter