KEY POINTS
- The crash killed 24 people and injured more than 30.
- Witnesses say the bus was speeding and overtaking recklessly.
- Police and medical officials are investigating and treating survivors.
An Urban Connect bus struck a vehicle head-on near the Lutumba tollgate on the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway early Thursday morning, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and over 30 injuries.
Deadly collision on Masvingo-Beitbridge highway
Around 7 a.m., the bus was heading toward Beitbridge when it crashed. Witnesses claim that at the time of the crash, the bus driver was trying to pass another car while speeding.
Seven individuals passed away from their wounds after being taken to Beitbridge Hospital, and seventeen others perished at the scene. According to New Zimbabwe, several individuals sustained numerous fractures and significant head damage.
Twelve of those admitted are still in severe condition, according to Beitbridge District Medical Officer Lenos Samhere, who spoke to state media. According to him, medical personnel are attempting to stabilize the injured, and some are anticipated to be moved to bigger hospitals for more specialized care.
Police, firefighters, and paramedics were among the emergency personnel who showed up at the scene soon after the collision. Authorities temporarily stopped the route to facilitate recovery efforts while rescuers attempted to pull people from the wreckage.
Authorities investigate as survivors fight for their lives
An inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the precise reason of the accident, according to police spokesperson Paul Nyathi. throughout light of the ongoing death toll from traffic accidents throughout the nation, he advised drivers to drive carefully, particularly on key routes.
The names of the deceased have not yet been made public by authorities while they attempt to inform their families.
The fatal collision heightens worries about road safety in Zimbabwe, where careless driving, bad road conditions, and vehicle overloading are major causes of collisions.
According to Nyathi, police will shortly issue a thorough statement that includes more information about the collision and the subsequent investigations.
