Govt to assist Mvuma bus disaster victims

GOVERNMENT has chipped in and pledged to provide forensic identification and funeral assistance to 20 people burnt beyond recognition in a horrific bus accident that occurred near Chaka business centre along the Harare-Masvingo Highway on Wednesday.

The accident involved a Johannesburg-bound Proliner bus, which sideswiped a haulage truck before it burst into flames, leaving 40 other people hospitalised.

Acting Local Government minister Obert Mpofu yesterday declared the accident a national disaster, adding forensic experts were already assisting in the identification of the deceased in consultation with the bereaved families.

"According to police reports, indications are that 60 passengers could have been on board. Out of the 60 passengers, 40 were hospitalised and about 20 perished on the spot," he said, adding families would receive $295 in funeral assistance.