Eight Anglican church members unaccounted for after bus inferno

Harare (New Ziana)- The Anglican Diocese of Manicaland on Monday said eight people cannot be accounted for after the Sunday accident in which a bus carrying church members returning from the Benard Mizeki Annual Festival held in Marondera was engulfed in flames, raising fears that they may have died in the inferno.

The Mutare-bound bus, which was carrying 62 pilgrims from the St Bernard Mzeki shrine in Marondera, caught fire in the Gandanzara area in Rusape.

A video of the accident which has gone viral on social media shows the Passion Link hus completely engulfed in flames.

In a statement, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, CPCA, Right Reverend Erick Ruwona said 11 of the survivors were still hospitalized.

“We visited the accident scene last night, facts are that 54 pilgrims survived the fire, with 11 of the survivors currently hospitalized for treatment of their injuries at Rusape General Hospital. However we are deeply saddened to confirm that 8 pilgrims remain unaccounted for, and we fear they may have perished in the fire.

“The Diocese is working closely with relevant authorities including the DA’s office, police and fire emergency services to ascertain the full details of the accident and to provide support and assistance to the affected families,” he said.

Police confirmed the accident.

Thousands of pilgrims from around Zimbabwe, the southern African region and the world at large attend the annual event, that commemorates the life of Benard Mizeki, who was martyred in 1896.

New Ziana