Munhenzva bus overturns near Rutenga

A number of people sustained injuries after a Munhenzva bus en route to Cape Town, South Africa, overturned about 10km from Rutenga last night. The exact number of casualties and possible fatalities remains unknown as rescue teams continue operations at the scene.

According to reports, the bus overturned at the 155km peg along the Masvingo–Beitbridge highway around 6pm, reportedly after the driver applied emergency brakes to avoid hitting an unidentified object on the road. The accident occurred near Chinyu Primary School, but the total number of passengers on board at the time of the crash is yet to be confirmed.

Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, said that heavy rains were hampering rescue operations. "Rescue teams are at the scene; we will only be able to establish if there are fatalities and the number of injured once they have lifted the bus that overturned," he said.

Mwenezi Rural District Council Chief Executive Albert Chivanga also confirmed the crash, noting that preliminary reports suggest the driver attempted to brake suddenly to avoid a collision, causing the bus to overturn. Some passengers were reportedly trapped under the vehicle.

The injured have been transported to Neshuro District Hospital, while police and emergency personnel continue to coordinate efforts to safely remove the bus and account for all passengers.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution along the highway, particularly during inclement weather, as investigations into the accident continue.