SA bound bus accident, 3 dead

Three people were killed, while 49 others were seriously injured when a bus they were travelling in burst its left front tyre, veered off the road and rolled several times before landing on its side, about 15 kilometres from Mvuma along the Beitbridge-Harare Highway yesterday.

Acting Police Officer Commanding Midlands, Assistant Commissioner Musarashana Mabunda confirmed the accident which occurred around 6am.

The driver of the Harare-bound Qatar Luxury Coaches bus lost control of the bus and it veered of the road.

Asst Comm Mabunda said the bus crew immediately disappeared from the scene, leaving passengers trapped inside and underneath the wreckage.

He said the bus had 52 people on board when the accident occurred.

"Two people died on the spot while the other died upon admission at Mvuma District Hospital when the cross-border bus rolled several times before landing on its side," he said.

"The roof was also ripped open and 49 people were seriously injured."

Asst Comm Mabunda said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Mvuma District Hospital mortuary where the 49 injured passengers were also taken for treatment.

"The names of the deceased will be released as soon as their next of kin are informed," he said.

"We appeal to motorists to exercise extreme caution on the road and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long distance journeys."