By Tapiwa Chawagarira
CHIREDZI – A sombre atmosphere engulfed Chiredzi, Masvingo Province, and the nation as families, friends, community members, and government officials gathered at Nyaradzo Funeral Services on Friday to bid farewell to the nine victims who lost their lives in last Tuesday’s devastating bus-train collision near Mutirikwi.
The tragedy which eft dozens injured, was declared a national disaster by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, paving the way for government assistance to affected families and survivors.
The fatal collision occurred on Tuesday when a passenger bus travelling from Mwenezi towards Chiredzi hit a freight train at the Mutirikwi rail crossing near Triangle. The impact claimed nine lives and left several passengers nursing injuries, prompting one of the largest emergency responses witnessed in the district in recent years.
Many of the injured were rushed to Chiredzi General Hospital, Triangle Hospital, and other health facilities for treatment. While some have since been discharged, others remain admitted, receiving medical care for injuries sustained in the accident.
Tears streamed dowan as mourners paid their final respects during a mass send-off ceremony for the deceased. Amid the grief, there was also a strong sense of unity and compassion as communities came together to support bereaved families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the victims, identified by their next of kin, include Knowledge Chivava of Section 64, Triangle; Shepherd Shumba (18) of Section 64, Triangle; Maria Hlabwani (40) of Village 3, Nyahombe; Tinashe Mushindi (18) of Section 65, Triangle; Learnmore Mutiza (2) of Section 63, Triangle; Lucia Chinguvo (49) of Mapepa Area; Princess Gundumure; and Marian Ncube.
Speaking on behalf of government, Chief Mourner and Assistant District Development Coordinator Patience Mawarire commended the swift and coordinated response by emergency services and members of the Civil Protection Unit following the disaster.
“The collective effort displayed by all stakeholders was commendable. Emergency medical personnel, police officers, local authorities, health institutions, and community members worked tirelessly to rescue victims and ensure that those injured were transported to hospitals without delay. Their dedication and cooperation played a critical role in saving lives during a very difficult situation,” said Mawarire.
She assured government’s commitment to standing with affected families and ensuring that survivors continue receiving the necessary support.
Speaking on behalf of bereaved families, one family representative described the tragedy as a painful loss that had left many households shattered.
“We are devastated. Some families have lost breadwinners, while others have lost children and relatives who still had their whole lives ahead of them. The pain is unimaginable, but we are grateful for the support we have received from the government, community members, churches, and well-wishers during this difficult period,” said the representative.
Community members who attended the ceremony said the tragedy had left a gapping hole on Triangle, Chiredzi, and the surrounding communities.
“This is not just a loss for the affected families. Many of us knew the victims personally. The entire community is mourning and struggling to come to terms with what happened,” said one mourner.
Chiredzi West legislator Darlington Chiwa described the occasion as one of the saddest moments for the district, saying no words could adequately ease the pain being experienced by grieving families.
“It is painful to stand before families that have lost their loved ones. No speech can truly comfort them during such a difficult time. As a district and as a nation, we share in their grief,” said Chiwa.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for declaring the incident a national disaster and facilitating state-assisted funerals for the victims.
“Through government support, funeral expenses—including caskets and hearses provided through Nyaradzo Funeral Services—have been covered, while the government is meeting medical bills for those still admitted to hospital,” he said.
The Mutirikwi tragedy comes barely a week after Zimbabwe was shaken by another fatal road accident in Gweru that claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren, reigniting calls for improved road safety and greater caution among road users.
