Source: Govt mourns Mutoko accident victims – herald
Victor Maphosa in MUTOKO
MASHONALAND East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo yesterday visited the Mutoko accident scene where 17 people were killed in a horrific BRB bus accident.
The accident occurred at the 167km peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway on Tuesday when the BRB bus, carrying Malawi nationals en-route from South Africa to Blantyre, veered off the road and overturned in Mutoko, trapping passengers inside the wreckage.
The driver of the bus, a Zimbabwean, also died in the accident.
Some of the deceased, as well as the injured, were ferried to Mutoko District Hospital, while others were sent to Mudzi District Hospital.
Adv Ndudzo visited the accident scene before proceeding to Mudzi and Mutoko district hospitals where he interacted with the survivors.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy sorrow that we find ourselves in this situation where yesterday a BRB Luxury Coach from South Africa and bound for Blantyre in Malawi, carrying Malawian nationals, although the crew was Zimbabwean, was involved in a terrible accident,” he said.
“We heard that the bus had a mechanical fault and the driver lost control, resulting in the bus veering of the road and overturning, and eventually trapping passengers inside.
“But thanks to the sterling efforts by the district civil protection unit, ably led by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security forces, there were frantic efforts to expeditiously assist in the situation, which resulted in all the passengers in the bus being removed”.
Adv Ndudzo said the Government was doing all it could to assist.
“It is a sad and disturbing situation. The Government of Zimbabwe, through relevant Ministries, departments and agencies of the State, is doing everything it can to lessen the burden on the deceased’s families.
“Right now, the Government is giving treatment to all the affected persons. It is also sad to learn that the driver of the bus, who is a Zimbabwean and from this area of Mudzi, also passed away. We are making appropriate consultations so that the family also receives appropriate support in this time of bereavement,” Adv Ndudzo said.
Officials said some of the injured have since been transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for further management.
“We received 35 patients with various injuries.
“Some were critical and have since been transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
“Some of the injured are recovering well, and some may be discharged soon,” said an official at Mudzi District Hospital.
Meanwhile, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe managing director, Mr Munodawafa, has consoled bereaved families and also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
One of the passengers, Mr Enock Sisya from Malawi, who is admitted at Mudzi district hospital, thanked the Government of Zimbabwe for the assistance.
“The accident occurred in the afternoon. In fact, I actually do not know what caused it, but one thing is for sure: the bus was speeding. Before the accident, it had some breakdowns.
“I am pained by this tragedy. My relatives from Malawi perished in this accident. Some are admitted here with me, and I want to thank God for the protection.
“My humble appreciation goes to the Government of Zimbabwe for taking care of us during this difficult time. We are receiving treatment and care, and most of us are recovering well,” he said.
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