Staff Reporter
GWERU — Parents and guardians of children who perished in the Gweru commuter omnibus accident are anxiously awaiting the results of DNA tests that will help identify their loved ones.
Authorities collected DNA samples from the victims a day after the accident to assist in identifying children who were burnt beyond recognition.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the samples were sent to Bulawayo for analysis as Gweru does not have the facilities to conduct the tests.
“It could be a long wait, with the results expected back on Monday,” said the source.
Seven children from Matongo and Senga primary schools died when a commuter omnibus ferrying them caught fire about 400 metres from the school.
Eleven other people, including the driver, were admitted at Gweru Provincial Hospital for treatment. The commuter omnibus was carrying 24 children at the time of the accident.
The driver and two other adults who were travelling in the vehicle were discharged from hospital a day after the incident.
Meanwhile, River Valley Group (RVG) has pledged to complement Government efforts by providing groceries and water to bereaved families until the burials are completed.
The company will also provide fuel for logistical support to Matongo Primary School and other vehicles involved in coordinating funeral arrangements.
RVG chief executive officer Ambassador Smelly Dube visited the school, where she pledged to donate mealie-meal, cooking oil, meat and other foodstuffs.
“I am a neighbour to this school as I live in this constituency.
“I was devastated when I heard about this unfortunate incident. I could not even watch the videos of the grieving mothers because they were too disturbing.
“We want to be part of the response by assisting the affected families and the school until the burials are concluded,” she said.
Amb Dube said the company will work with the school administration to ensure that the groceries reach the affected families.
She conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families hoping that all the victims will be positively identified and accorded dignified burials.
Matongo Primary School School Development Committee chairperson Onesimo Gumbu thanked RVG for the donation, saying some families were struggling to cater for mourners gathered at their homes during the funeral period.
“The situation is difficult in some households because they are hosting people for funeral wakes but do not have adequate food supplies,” he said.
Government has declared the accident a state of disaster and will assist with funeral expenses.
Several organisations and individuals have conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
