News / National
Bus crash survivors speak
10 Dec 2024 at 06:51hrs | Views
What was meant to be a joyful journey home after Christmas shopping turned into a nightmare for Ms. Sibonokuhle Nkomo, a 36-year-old mother from Pumula South, Bulawayo. She narrowly survived a horrific bus crash that claimed seven lives and left 22 passengers injured.
The accident occurred early Sunday morning along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway near the Dabuka Shuttling Yard. An Inter Africa bus rammed into the back of a stationary haulage truck, resulting in fatalities and severe injuries.
Ms. Nkomo, who was on her way back from Harare after purchasing clothes for her children and stock for her small business, suffered life-changing injuries, including the amputation of her left leg. Speaking from her hospital bed at Gweru Provincial Hospital, she tearfully recounted the events leading to the accident.
"All I wanted was to make my children happy. I had gone to Harare to buy Christmas clothes for them and stock for resale at my shop in Filabusi," she said.
Ms. Nkomo said she had fallen asleep on the bus and was jolted awake by screams moments before the collision.
"When I woke up, I saw blood coming from my leg, but I didn't feel pain initially. It was only later that I was told my leg couldn't be saved," she said, wiping away tears.
Ms. Charity Mhike, a 29-year-old mother of four from Rangemore, Bulawayo, said divine intervention saved her family.
"I had moved two of my children to a vacant seat on the driver's side, which was less affected in the crash. I thank the Lord for that decision," she said.
Ms. Mhike sustained a fractured leg, while one of her twins suffered fractures in both legs.
Passengers, including Mr. Pingurai Marozva and Mr. Joze Sanana, expressed frustration over the cramped seating on the bus, which they believe contributed to the high number of leg injuries.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating, "Seven people were killed when an Inter Africa bus rammed into the back of a stationary truck."
The victims' bodies were taken to the Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary, while the injured received treatment at the same facility. Twelve of the 22 injured passengers have since been discharged.
Passengers reported that the bus driver was speeding and that the seating arrangements left little room for movement, potentially exacerbating injuries.
Officials are investigating the crash, which has left the community in mourning and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the festive season for the affected families. Ms. Nkomo's dream of bringing Christmas joy to her children now feels distant as she faces a challenging recovery.
"I don't know how I'll continue my work, which involves a lot of travelling and standing. But I am grateful to be alive for my children," she said.
The Bulawayo community has rallied in support of survivors, hoping to provide comfort during this difficult time. Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of road safety to prevent future tragedies.
The accident occurred early Sunday morning along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway near the Dabuka Shuttling Yard. An Inter Africa bus rammed into the back of a stationary haulage truck, resulting in fatalities and severe injuries.
Ms. Nkomo, who was on her way back from Harare after purchasing clothes for her children and stock for her small business, suffered life-changing injuries, including the amputation of her left leg. Speaking from her hospital bed at Gweru Provincial Hospital, she tearfully recounted the events leading to the accident.
"All I wanted was to make my children happy. I had gone to Harare to buy Christmas clothes for them and stock for resale at my shop in Filabusi," she said.
Ms. Nkomo said she had fallen asleep on the bus and was jolted awake by screams moments before the collision.
"When I woke up, I saw blood coming from my leg, but I didn't feel pain initially. It was only later that I was told my leg couldn't be saved," she said, wiping away tears.
Ms. Charity Mhike, a 29-year-old mother of four from Rangemore, Bulawayo, said divine intervention saved her family.
"I had moved two of my children to a vacant seat on the driver's side, which was less affected in the crash. I thank the Lord for that decision," she said.
Ms. Mhike sustained a fractured leg, while one of her twins suffered fractures in both legs.
Passengers, including Mr. Pingurai Marozva and Mr. Joze Sanana, expressed frustration over the cramped seating on the bus, which they believe contributed to the high number of leg injuries.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating, "Seven people were killed when an Inter Africa bus rammed into the back of a stationary truck."
The victims' bodies were taken to the Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary, while the injured received treatment at the same facility. Twelve of the 22 injured passengers have since been discharged.
Passengers reported that the bus driver was speeding and that the seating arrangements left little room for movement, potentially exacerbating injuries.
Officials are investigating the crash, which has left the community in mourning and highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the festive season for the affected families. Ms. Nkomo's dream of bringing Christmas joy to her children now feels distant as she faces a challenging recovery.
"I don't know how I'll continue my work, which involves a lot of travelling and standing. But I am grateful to be alive for my children," she said.
The Bulawayo community has rallied in support of survivors, hoping to provide comfort during this difficult time. Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of road safety to prevent future tragedies.
Source - The Chronicle
