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Mnangagwa declares Beitbridge accident a National Disaster
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragic Beitbridge accident, which claimed 24 lives on Thursday morning, a National Disaster. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and announced state assistance for the victims' burials.
The nation was shaken by the devastating collision involving an Urban Connect bus and an Auro Transport haulage truck near the Lutumba tollgate, approximately 25 kilometers from Beitbridge Town. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway. Seventeen people died on the spot, while seven others succumbed to their injuries at Beitbridge District Hospital.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking start to the year. "Government has therefore declared this incident a National Disaster and will accord the victims of this horrendous crash a State-assisted burial," he said.
The President added, "As I express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash, I also prayerfully reach out to all those injured and hospitalised, wishing them a speedy recovery."
President Mnangagwa lamented the loss of life, emphasizing that the nation "does not deserve this at all." He called for intensified efforts to prevent road carnage, urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution for the safety of themselves and others.
"All arms of the Government that are responsible for ensuring safety on our roads are thus constantly reminded to work around the clock and employ all legal means and powers available to them to reduce and ultimately put an end to such carnage," he said.
The tragic accident has drawn widespread attention to road safety concerns in Zimbabwe, with calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved road infrastructure. The government has pledged to assist the affected families during this difficult time, as the nation mourns the loss of 24 lives.
The nation was shaken by the devastating collision involving an Urban Connect bus and an Auro Transport haulage truck near the Lutumba tollgate, approximately 25 kilometers from Beitbridge Town. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway. Seventeen people died on the spot, while seven others succumbed to their injuries at Beitbridge District Hospital.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking start to the year. "Government has therefore declared this incident a National Disaster and will accord the victims of this horrendous crash a State-assisted burial," he said.
President Mnangagwa lamented the loss of life, emphasizing that the nation "does not deserve this at all." He called for intensified efforts to prevent road carnage, urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution for the safety of themselves and others.
"All arms of the Government that are responsible for ensuring safety on our roads are thus constantly reminded to work around the clock and employ all legal means and powers available to them to reduce and ultimately put an end to such carnage," he said.
The tragic accident has drawn widespread attention to road safety concerns in Zimbabwe, with calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved road infrastructure. The government has pledged to assist the affected families during this difficult time, as the nation mourns the loss of 24 lives.
Source - The Chronicle
