Six road accident victims identified

POLICE have identified the six passengers who died in a road accident in Mbembesi along the Bulawayo-Gweru Road on Thursday afternoon. The accident involved a Toyota Coaster minibus with 26 passengers on board, which was travelling towards Shangani and a haulage truck which was going the opposite direction.

The deputy national traffic spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, identified the six who were all Shangani Mine workers as Samson Banda (55), Veronica Moyo (42), Ruth Mandla (42), Simon Musa (26), Patrick Gwatinyanya (34) and Mariah Muzoma (34).

The six were residing at Shangani Mine compound.

Asst Insp Chakanza said of the 20 passengers that survived, 12 escaped without injuries while eight sustained injuries and were admitted at Shangani Mine Hospital. "I can confirm that the accident occurred at the 106 km peg along Bulawayo-Gweru Road. It involved a Toyota minibus belonging to Shangani Mine that had 26 passengers on board and a haulage truck.

"It is alleged that the driver of the minibus encroached onto the lane of the haulage truck, resulting in a side swap," said Asst Insp Chakanza.

He said the driver of the haulage truck sustained minor injuries.

"I would like to urge motorists to take caution when driving and to adhere to all road signs. Drivers should always keep left whenever they are driving and resist the temptation of overtaking," said Asst Insp Chakanza.

He also urged the drivers to adhere to speed limits within their areas of travel.

"Accidents like this one can be avoided if drivers are careful on the road. Let us stay safe and save lives," said the police spokesperson.

The month of April has been a bloody one as 21 people recently died in an accident near Ngundu Growth Point.

Another 12 people also died on the spot when a vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck near West Nicholson in Gwanda.

During the Easter Holidays, 37 people died in road accidents.