News / National
Mnangagwa mourns Gwanda bus disaster victims
16 Nov 2018 at 13:33hrs | Views
President Emmerson has issued a condolence message mourning the victims of the bus disaster that occurred in Gwanda on Thursday night. At least 42 people were feared dead.
Said Mnangagwa, "I was devastated to learn of last night's tragedy, the second major accident in recent weeks. The thoughts and prayers of a grieving nation go out to the wounded and the families of those killed. We will ensure they get the care and support they require.
"As the police investigate the circumstances that led to this tragedy, I urge all my fellow citizens to be extra cautious on the roads – check the safety of your vehicles, slow down, put safety first. We all have a role to play in saving lives and making Zimbabwe a safer country."
Deputy Transport Minister Fortune Chasi blamed the bus crew for the tragedy, which comes barely two weeks after two buses collided killing 50 people in Rusape.
The Brooklyn Express bus, carrying about 70 cross-border shoppers, was on its way to Musina in neighbouring South Africa when it exploded in a fireball apparently caused by a gas cylinder in the luggage.
Matabeleland South police spokesman Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said owing to the intensity of the fire, some forensic work may be necessary to determine the exact number of dead.
At least 42 people were unaccounted for, all feared dead.
Dr Rutendo Manyathi, the acting medical superintendent at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, said 27 people suffered varying degrees of burns, with three being referred to Bulawayo for specialist treatment.
Said Mnangagwa, "I was devastated to learn of last night's tragedy, the second major accident in recent weeks. The thoughts and prayers of a grieving nation go out to the wounded and the families of those killed. We will ensure they get the care and support they require.
"As the police investigate the circumstances that led to this tragedy, I urge all my fellow citizens to be extra cautious on the roads – check the safety of your vehicles, slow down, put safety first. We all have a role to play in saving lives and making Zimbabwe a safer country."
Deputy Transport Minister Fortune Chasi blamed the bus crew for the tragedy, which comes barely two weeks after two buses collided killing 50 people in Rusape.
The Brooklyn Express bus, carrying about 70 cross-border shoppers, was on its way to Musina in neighbouring South Africa when it exploded in a fireball apparently caused by a gas cylinder in the luggage.
Matabeleland South police spokesman Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said owing to the intensity of the fire, some forensic work may be necessary to determine the exact number of dead.
At least 42 people were unaccounted for, all feared dead.
Dr Rutendo Manyathi, the acting medical superintendent at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, said 27 people suffered varying degrees of burns, with three being referred to Bulawayo for specialist treatment.
Source - Byo24News
