7 pupils killed in Zimbabwe kombi inferno

Seven pupils from Matongo Primary School have died after a commuter omnibus they were travelling in caught fire in Senga suburb, Gweru, on Wednesday afternoon.

The pupils had reportedly boarded the kombi after finishing classes when the vehicle was engulfed in flames under circumstances that are still under investigation.

Fresh details from Martin Chivhoko, who was at the scene, indicate that the driver and conductor of the commuter omnibus survived the incident but sustained injuries.

In addition, 11 pupils who were on board the vehicle were rushed to hospital after suffering varying degrees of injury.

Emergency services, police officers and local authorities responded to the scene as efforts were made to rescue those trapped in the burning vehicle and assist the injured.

The identities of the deceased had not yet been officially released as authorities worked to notify families and complete the identification process.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigations now underway to establish how the blaze started.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Gweru community, with parents, teachers and local residents gathering at the scene and at health facilities seeking information about the affected children.

More details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their investigations and provide updates on the condition of the injured pupils receiving treatment in hospital.