News / National
Holiday accidents, 25 dead
21 Apr 2014 at 08:21hrs | Views
Twenty-five people have been killed in road accidents countrywide since the beginning of the Independence and Easter holidays, while 203 others were injured in 194 road accidents.
The accidents occurred between Thursday and yesterday morning.
During the same period last year, 10 people had died while 88 others were injured in 176 accidents.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday attributed the accidents to speeding, human error, inattention and negligence.
"We have also impounded 218 unroadworthy vehicles and have issued out 5 459 tickets for various traffic offences," he said.
"As police we are saying motorists should not speed to avoid unnecessary accidents.
"The holiday is still ongoing and the police are out in full force to ensure that all motorists drive carefully and exercise extreme caution on the roads."
Chief Supt Nyathi said Manicaland had the highest number of deaths (eight), followed by Matabeleland North (four) and Harare, Mashonaland Central and Midlands (three each). Mashonaland East had recorded two deaths, while Masvingo and Bulawayo had one each.
"The major accident occurred in Manicaland in Nyanga where suspected speeding resulted in six people dying, while 63 were injured after a bus carrying 70 people failed to negotiate a curve and it overturned," Chief Supt Nyathi said.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu has urged road users to observe road traffic rules and regulations.
"It is once again time for celebration of the Easter and Independence holidays, time when thousands travel to the rural areas to reunite with family and friends or travel to attend Easter church conventions in various centres throughout the country," said Dr Mpofu.
"This also means that there will be increased traffic on our roads. I am, therefore, urging all road users to use the road wisely and observe all traffic regulations.
"In this regard, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department has already deployed for round the clock operations, which will continue until after the independence holidays, on all major roads."
The accidents occurred between Thursday and yesterday morning.
During the same period last year, 10 people had died while 88 others were injured in 176 accidents.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday attributed the accidents to speeding, human error, inattention and negligence.
"We have also impounded 218 unroadworthy vehicles and have issued out 5 459 tickets for various traffic offences," he said.
"As police we are saying motorists should not speed to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Chief Supt Nyathi said Manicaland had the highest number of deaths (eight), followed by Matabeleland North (four) and Harare, Mashonaland Central and Midlands (three each). Mashonaland East had recorded two deaths, while Masvingo and Bulawayo had one each.
"The major accident occurred in Manicaland in Nyanga where suspected speeding resulted in six people dying, while 63 were injured after a bus carrying 70 people failed to negotiate a curve and it overturned," Chief Supt Nyathi said.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu has urged road users to observe road traffic rules and regulations.
"It is once again time for celebration of the Easter and Independence holidays, time when thousands travel to the rural areas to reunite with family and friends or travel to attend Easter church conventions in various centres throughout the country," said Dr Mpofu.
"This also means that there will be increased traffic on our roads. I am, therefore, urging all road users to use the road wisely and observe all traffic regulations.
"In this regard, the Vehicle Inspectorate Department has already deployed for round the clock operations, which will continue until after the independence holidays, on all major roads."
Source - Herald
