Driver killed as bus overturns, burns

A BUS driver died on the spot while two passengers sustained serious injuries when a Gokwe-bound bus there were travelling in veered off the road, overturned and rolled several times before it caught fire.

The incident occurred yesterday morning along the Kwekwe-Gokwe Highway.

The driver of the bus belonging to Road Runner Bus Company, succumbed to injuries.

Two passengers sustained severe injuries while the rest of the passengers whose number was not given, escaped with minor injuries.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko could not readily comment on the accident saying he was yet to be furnished with details.

Gokwe South District Development Coordinator Ms Netsai Mushauri confirmed the accident and said several passengers escaped with minor injuries.

"Yes, I can confirm that there is a bus which was involved in an accident as it approached Gokwe town.

A crew from the Civil Protection Unit reacted swiftly after receiving a distress call and managed to rescue all the passengers," she said.

Two passengers who were seriously injured were rushed to Gokwe District Hospital.

Ms Mushauri said the accident happened in the Chemagora area near Bomba business centre and some of the passengers who were on the bus were on the way to Defe to sell their wares.

Zion Christian Church (ZCC) congregants travel to their shrine in Defe every year where they commemorate the death of the church's founding father Bishop Samuel Mutendi.

People from across the country, including ordinary business people, flock to the place to be part of the commemorations or to sell their wares.

President Mnangagwa is expected to headline the event this weekend.