News / National
1 killed, 16 injured in Bulawayo kombi crash
2 hrs ago |
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One person died and 16 others were seriously injured on Friday night when a commuter omnibus collided with a seven-tonne truck at Monarch Turn along Kami Road in Bulawayo.
The deceased passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by Bulawayo Fire Brigade personnel who attended the scene shortly after the crash.
Emergency services, including four ambulances from the Bulawayo City Council and two from Highway Emergency Services, rushed the injured passengers to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
The accident caused major traffic disruption along Kami Road, which was temporarily closed for nearly an hour while rescue teams attended to victims and cleared the wreckage.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said preliminary indications suggested that human error may have contributed to the accident, adding that it could have been avoided if due care had been taken.
"It could have been avoided if the driver had exercised caution," he said.
Moyo noted that although some commuter omnibus drivers have received defensive driving training, the impact on road safety has remained limited. He called for more practical and inclusive training programmes tailored to the realities of public transport operators.
He also urged passengers to take an active role in promoting road safety by reporting reckless driving behaviour, saying enforcement alone was not enough to curb accidents.
"Passengers also have a role to play by reporting reckless commuter omnibus drivers," Moyo said.
He further raised concern over underage individuals operating public transport vehicles, warning that this practice poses a serious safety risk and requires stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Authorities say improving driver discipline, accountability among vehicle owners, and community participation will be key to reducing the rising number of road traffic accidents in Bulawayo.
The deceased passenger was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by Bulawayo Fire Brigade personnel who attended the scene shortly after the crash.
Emergency services, including four ambulances from the Bulawayo City Council and two from Highway Emergency Services, rushed the injured passengers to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.
The accident caused major traffic disruption along Kami Road, which was temporarily closed for nearly an hour while rescue teams attended to victims and cleared the wreckage.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said preliminary indications suggested that human error may have contributed to the accident, adding that it could have been avoided if due care had been taken.
"It could have been avoided if the driver had exercised caution," he said.
Moyo noted that although some commuter omnibus drivers have received defensive driving training, the impact on road safety has remained limited. He called for more practical and inclusive training programmes tailored to the realities of public transport operators.
He also urged passengers to take an active role in promoting road safety by reporting reckless driving behaviour, saying enforcement alone was not enough to curb accidents.
"Passengers also have a role to play by reporting reckless commuter omnibus drivers," Moyo said.
He further raised concern over underage individuals operating public transport vehicles, warning that this practice poses a serious safety risk and requires stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
Authorities say improving driver discipline, accountability among vehicle owners, and community participation will be key to reducing the rising number of road traffic accidents in Bulawayo.
Source - Sunday News
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