News / National
10 die in early festive road accidents
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As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, ten people have lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries, some seriously, in three separate road accidents reported this week.
In the most recent incident on Thursday morning, two people died when a Toyota Fortuner collided head-on with a South Africa-bound cross-border bus near Makhado business centre, approximately 80km west of Beitbridge town.
The crash occurred on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road when the bus struck a stray donkey and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with the Toyota Fortuner heading towards Gwanda. Both occupants of the light vehicle died on the spot, while the bus driver sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
"We received two bodies, and the driver of the bus is admitted at the hospital," said Beitbridge district medical officer, Dr. Lenos Samhere.
On Tuesday, another tragedy unfolded near Norton along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, where five people were killed after a Toyota Hiace overturned three times at the 26km peg.
Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto, Acting Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over and landed on its right side. Four passengers died on the spot, while the fifth succumbed to injuries at Norton General Hospital.
"The accident occurred around 6am near Family 24," said Asst Insp Chapoto, adding that the injured were also taken to Norton General Hospital for treatment. He urged motorists to avoid speeding and exercise extra caution on the roads.
The week's first fatal accident took place on Monday along the Harare-Nyamapanda road, claiming three lives and injuring three others. The collision, involving a Toyota Hilux and a Honda Fit, occurred at the 156km peg when a dog chasing a cow crossed the road.
The Toyota Hilux, driven by Mr. Tatenda Ngwangwara (29), struck the dog, while the Honda Fit driver, Mr. Misheck Mubvumbi (48), swerved to avoid the cow, leading to a side-swipe. The Toyota Hilux overturned three times, though its occupants escaped unscathed. However, the Honda Fit rolled once, killing one passenger on the spot and leaving others critically injured.
Mr. Mubvumbi and another injured passenger succumbed to their injuries at Mutoko Hospital. Police confirmed the victims' identities and have informed their next of kin.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations.
The spate of accidents comes as police intensify efforts to curb reckless driving during the festive season. Authorities continue to appeal to drivers to exercise caution and ensure safe travel during the holidays.
In the most recent incident on Thursday morning, two people died when a Toyota Fortuner collided head-on with a South Africa-bound cross-border bus near Makhado business centre, approximately 80km west of Beitbridge town.
The crash occurred on the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road when the bus struck a stray donkey and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with the Toyota Fortuner heading towards Gwanda. Both occupants of the light vehicle died on the spot, while the bus driver sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
"We received two bodies, and the driver of the bus is admitted at the hospital," said Beitbridge district medical officer, Dr. Lenos Samhere.
On Tuesday, another tragedy unfolded near Norton along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, where five people were killed after a Toyota Hiace overturned three times at the 26km peg.
Assistant Inspector Effort Chapoto, Acting Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over and landed on its right side. Four passengers died on the spot, while the fifth succumbed to injuries at Norton General Hospital.
The week's first fatal accident took place on Monday along the Harare-Nyamapanda road, claiming three lives and injuring three others. The collision, involving a Toyota Hilux and a Honda Fit, occurred at the 156km peg when a dog chasing a cow crossed the road.
The Toyota Hilux, driven by Mr. Tatenda Ngwangwara (29), struck the dog, while the Honda Fit driver, Mr. Misheck Mubvumbi (48), swerved to avoid the cow, leading to a side-swipe. The Toyota Hilux overturned three times, though its occupants escaped unscathed. However, the Honda Fit rolled once, killing one passenger on the spot and leaving others critically injured.
Mr. Mubvumbi and another injured passenger succumbed to their injuries at Mutoko Hospital. Police confirmed the victims' identities and have informed their next of kin.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations.
The spate of accidents comes as police intensify efforts to curb reckless driving during the festive season. Authorities continue to appeal to drivers to exercise caution and ensure safe travel during the holidays.
Source - The Herald
