Online Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster following a horrific traffic accident near Chivhu that has claimed at least 27 lives.
The disaster occurred on Friday evening, near Honeyspruit Bridge, along the Harare-Masvingo Highway, in Chikomba district.
According to a press release issued today by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, the crash involved a head-on collision between a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa to Goromonzi and a commuter omnibus carrying members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma.
The impact triggered a violent fire that engulfed the vehicles.
Emergency response teams from the Civil Protection structures, alongside local residents from Chivhu, deployed fire tenders to extinguish the blaze and used small cranes to recover victims trapped inside the wreckage.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Twenty-four, including the kombi driver, dried at the scene,while three others succumbed to their injuries after reaching Chivhu General Hospital.
Seven survivors suffered critical injuries and remain admitted at Chivhu General Hospital. The truck driver survived and was transported by ambulance to Harare for specialised medical care.
The declaration of a State of Disaster will allow the Government to mobilise resources and coordinate emergency assistance for the affected families and survivors.
The deceased have been conveyed to the Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.
Authorities noted that the official names of the victims will be released publicly once formal verification and family notifications are complete.
Government extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church, while wishing a full and speedy recovery to those hospitalised.
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