Speeding bus knocks pedestrian dead, injures 18 passengers

A suspected drunk pedestrian was killed after being struck by a bus along the Harare - Mutare highway on Monday night, triggering a crash that left 18 passengers injured.

The accident occurred around 11pm at Reeb Business Centre when the pedestrian, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was allegedly walking in the middle of the highway. He was hit by a Mutare-bound General Bande bus that was reportedly speeding.

Following the impact, the bus — which was carrying 65 passengers — veered off the road and rolled several times before landing on its side. The vehicle sustained minor damages.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka referred all questions to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who could not be reached for comment.

Rusape General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Stewart Karembo confirmed that one person died at the scene, while several others sustained injuries.

"From the accident you are referring to, one person died on the spot. Four were in critical condition and we transferred them to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, and 14 other victims are admitted at Rusape General Hospital. The rest of the passengers were assessed and released," said Dr Karembo.

Authorities are expected to provide further details once investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are complete.