Rimbi Tours bus involved in Christmas Pass crash

A Rimbi Tours bus driver and three passengers escaped without injuries early this morning after the coach collided with a broken-down truck that was partially blocking a lane along Christmas Pass in Mutare.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the accident and said it occurred around 4am along the Mutare–Harare Highway.

He said the bus, driven by Gift Mganiwa (34) of Glendale, Mazowe, was descending the slopes of Christmas Pass when the driver encountered a stationary truck obstructing part of the road.

"Approaching a curve along the slopes, he realised that a truck had broken down and was partially blocking the lane. He applied emergency brakes without success as the road was slippery following light rains received in Mutare," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

The bus reportedly struck the truck on the right side of the driver's door, sustaining frontal damage on impact.

Fortunately, the truck driver, Tawanda Gwara (61) of Waterfalls, Harare, who was inside the vehicle at the time, as well as all passengers on board the bus, escaped unhurt.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged motorists to be vigilant, especially during wet weather, and to take safety measures such as placing reflective triangles and hazard lights when vehicles break down.

"Drivers must always exercise caution on slippery roads and ensure that broken-down vehicles are properly secured and visible to other motorists," he said.