MDC mourns bus disaster victims

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change has issued a condolence message to the victims of the bus crash that occurred on Tuesday evening.

Forty seven people, 45 adults and two children, were killed, while 70 others were injured when two buses collided head-on at the 166 kilometre peg along the Harare-Mutare Highway.

In a statement issued by the MDC Spokesperson Jacob Mapfume the party said, "The President Adv. Nelson Chamisa and the entire MDC family joins the nation in mourning 47 compatriots who died in the Rusape bus accident.

"Their passing is untimely, the loss of life is sad, painful and leaves life-long negative impact not only for the families but the Zimbabwean community.

"We share the pain of the families of the deceased. We therefore express our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families. We recommit the party to contributing to the fight against road carnage.

"May their families find comfort in these trying times. May their souls rest in eternal peace."

Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said The accident occurred at the 166km peg on the Harare Mutare Road, just after the Rusape tollgate drifting towards Harare.

"The accident involved a Bolt Cutter bus that was heading towards Mutare which collided with a Smart Express bus which was going to Harare. Police are still attending the accident scene."

Makoni district administrator and chairman of the district Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Mr Darlington Museka said Rusape General Hospital mortuary was overwhelmed and they had engaged Nyaradzo Funeral Services for assistance.

District medical officer Dr Tendai Nyafesu said the general hospital mortuary had capacity for 16 bodies, but can be stretched to accommodate 36.