Beitbridge killer bus not insured

The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) is extending assistance to victims and families of the Beitbridge accident that claimed 25 lives, following revelations that the bus operator involved was not insured.

Seventeen people perished on the spot last week, while eight others succumbed to their injuries upon admission to Beitbridge District Hospital. The tragic accident occurred when an Urban Connect bus collided with a commercial haulage truck along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway on Thursday last week.

The government declared the incident a national disaster, paving the way for State-assisted burials for the deceased.

ICZ revealed that the bus operator did not have public passenger liability insurance, which is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act. This disclosure coincided with the government's decision to suspend Urban Connect's operating license for six months pending investigations.

"The ICZ, in liaison with the Department of Civil Protection, shall provide ex-gratia assistance for funeral and medical expenses," ICZ chief executive Donald Muthe said in a statement.

"ICZ will also make payments to hospitals treating the injured.

"ICZ is providing assistance through ex-gratia payments because the Urban Connect bus did not have the requisite public passenger liability cover for compensation benefits to the victims and their beneficiaries as provided by the Road Traffic Act."

Muthe emphasized that the tragic incident underscores the importance of insurance coverage for public passenger vehicles and the need for strict adherence to road safety regulations.

Witnesses blamed the accident on human error, further highlighting concerns over road safety and compliance with transport regulations in Zimbabwe.