Story by Jeremiah Gora
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the death of 13 people whilst several others were injured yesterday in two separate road accidents which occurred in Masvingo and Gokwe.
Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accidents in a Press Statement yesterday evening.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two fatal road traffic accidents which occurred this evening in and Gokwe where 13 people have died,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He announced that a Chikozho Bus which was traveling from Masvingo to Topora veered off the road and overturned killing seven people.
“In the Masvingo accident which occurred at around 1630 hours, a Chikozho bus which was traveling from Masvingo to Topora along Masvingo – Zano road with 105 passengers on board (75 seated and 30 standing) went out of the road while negotiating a steep gradient. The bus then hit a dwala and overturned,” he said.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi went on to say those who sustained minor injuries were treated and discharged at Topora Clinic whilst those who sustained serious injuries were referred to Mogernster Hospital and Masvingo General Hospital for treatment.
“Seven people died while 99 others were injured. 65 were treated and discharged for minor injuries at Topora clinic while 33 others who sustained serious injuries were taken to Mogernster Hospital and Masvingo General Hospital for medical attention,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Announcing the Gokwe accident, he said a Nissan Sulphy hit a pot hole and collided head on with another vehicle resulting in the death of six people.
“In Gokwe the accident which occurred at around 1800 hours this evening, a Nissan Sulphy hit a pot hole at the four kilometre peg along Gokwe – Siabuwa road and in the process had a head on collision with a Nissan AD Van vehicle with nine occupants. Six people died, three from each vehicle,” he said.
The statement also announced that eight people were injured, three critically and five sustained moderate injuries.
The injured victims were referred to Gokwe General Hospital for medical treatment.
The country is set to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces holiday on Monday and Tuesday next week and road traffic accident rates surge during holidays.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that motorists should observe stipulated speed limits and abide by all road rules and regulations in order to curb road traffic accidents.
