News / National
1 dead, baby missing as bus swept wway in Gwanda flood tragedy
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Tragedy struck in Gwanda District on Monday when a long-distance bus belonging to Green Horse Bus Company was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Mletshane River on a narrow bridge. The incident claimed one life, and a three-month-old baby is still missing.
The bus, traveling from Bulawayo to Gwanda, was carrying 75 passengers when the accident occurred at around 3 PM.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident.
"On 23 December 2024, at about 3 PM, a Green Horse bus with 75 passengers on board attempted to cross a flooded Mletshane River. Unfortunately, the front-left wheel of the bus missed the bridge, causing the vehicle to plunge into the river, and it was swept away," she said.
One passenger, 33-year-old Sthembinto Dube of Mawaza Village, Gwanda District, died on the spot. A three-month-old baby girl remains unaccounted for and is feared to have drowned.
Emergency services and police were dispatched to the scene, and the deceased's body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary. Authorities are continuing their search for the missing infant.
Inspector Mangena issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of crossing flooded rivers, particularly during the rainy season.
"We appeal to motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season and refrain from crossing flooded rivers. It is better to wait for the water levels to subside than to risk lives unnecessarily. Pedestrians are also advised to be vigilant when crossing rivers."
The tragic incident highlights the risks posed by heavy rains and flooded waterways in the region. Authorities have urged communities to prioritize safety and remain vigilant during the rainy season.
Further updates on the search for the missing infant and investigations into the accident are expected.
The bus, traveling from Bulawayo to Gwanda, was carrying 75 passengers when the accident occurred at around 3 PM.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident.
"On 23 December 2024, at about 3 PM, a Green Horse bus with 75 passengers on board attempted to cross a flooded Mletshane River. Unfortunately, the front-left wheel of the bus missed the bridge, causing the vehicle to plunge into the river, and it was swept away," she said.
One passenger, 33-year-old Sthembinto Dube of Mawaza Village, Gwanda District, died on the spot. A three-month-old baby girl remains unaccounted for and is feared to have drowned.
Emergency services and police were dispatched to the scene, and the deceased's body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary. Authorities are continuing their search for the missing infant.
Inspector Mangena issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of crossing flooded rivers, particularly during the rainy season.
"We appeal to motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season and refrain from crossing flooded rivers. It is better to wait for the water levels to subside than to risk lives unnecessarily. Pedestrians are also advised to be vigilant when crossing rivers."
The tragic incident highlights the risks posed by heavy rains and flooded waterways in the region. Authorities have urged communities to prioritize safety and remain vigilant during the rainy season.
Further updates on the search for the missing infant and investigations into the accident are expected.
Source - The Chronicle
