News / National
Kombi accident claims six people
25 Sep 2012 at 04:56hrs | Views
Six people were killed while 12 others were injured yesterday morning when a Mbare-bound commuter omnibus overturned along Chitungwiza Road.
Four people died on the spot while one died on admission to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
The sixth person died on his way to Parirenyatwa Hospital from Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
National Traffic Police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome confirmed the accident.
"The accident happened between 6 and 7am at the curve just after Manyame Bridge.
"The driver lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road to the right.
"The kombi overturned resulting in the deaths.
"Of the injured, two of them are in a critical condition," he said.
Insp Chigome urged drivers to stick to recommended speed limits.
"This is important in case anything happens one is able to control the vehicle. The drivers should also desist from overloading," he said.
Most of the victims are believed to be vendors who were on their way to Mbare Musika.
According to witnesses, the accident occurred at around 6am when the driver of the black commuter omnibus marked "Highly Favoured" lost control of the vehicle.
Mrs Sterlia Ngwerume who witnessed the accident said the kombi had a tyre burst.
"One of the back tyres burst and the driver lost control and the vehicle veered off the road before it overturned and landed on its right side in the process throwing out passengers," she said.
She said the commuter omnibus was speeding.
Another onlooker blamed the youthful driver for speeding and failing to control the vehicle.
"He was speeding and as a result people are dead," he said.
When The Herald arrived, around 7:30am, bodies and valuables - including mobile phones and luggage - were strewn all over and police had covered them while those injured had been rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
A large crowd had gathered at the accident scene and National Traffic Police were battling to control the crowds as they were also taking details of the accident.
Police at the scene said the names of the deceased would be released soon after their next of kin have been notified.
Four people died on the spot while one died on admission to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
The sixth person died on his way to Parirenyatwa Hospital from Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
National Traffic Police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome confirmed the accident.
"The accident happened between 6 and 7am at the curve just after Manyame Bridge.
"The driver lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road to the right.
"The kombi overturned resulting in the deaths.
"Of the injured, two of them are in a critical condition," he said.
Insp Chigome urged drivers to stick to recommended speed limits.
Most of the victims are believed to be vendors who were on their way to Mbare Musika.
According to witnesses, the accident occurred at around 6am when the driver of the black commuter omnibus marked "Highly Favoured" lost control of the vehicle.
Mrs Sterlia Ngwerume who witnessed the accident said the kombi had a tyre burst.
"One of the back tyres burst and the driver lost control and the vehicle veered off the road before it overturned and landed on its right side in the process throwing out passengers," she said.
She said the commuter omnibus was speeding.
Another onlooker blamed the youthful driver for speeding and failing to control the vehicle.
"He was speeding and as a result people are dead," he said.
When The Herald arrived, around 7:30am, bodies and valuables - including mobile phones and luggage - were strewn all over and police had covered them while those injured had been rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital.
A large crowd had gathered at the accident scene and National Traffic Police were battling to control the crowds as they were also taking details of the accident.
Police at the scene said the names of the deceased would be released soon after their next of kin have been notified.
Source - TH
