Antony Chawagarira
HWANGE – Tragedy struck near Hwange on Saturday morning after eight Roman Catholic worshippers were killed when a commuter kombi(Toyota NOAH) veered off the Deka River Bridge and plunged into the river below.
The fatal accident occurred at around 7AM as the group was returning from an overnight prayer session at St John’s Makwa Mission.According to National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the kombi was carrying 13 passengers when the driver reportedly lost control and crashed into the concrete barriers of the bridge before the vehicle toppled into the water.
Eight people died at the scene, while five others survived the horror crash.Authorities said the conditions of the injured survivors were not immediately known by Saturday afternoon.
Police and emergency services attended the scene and launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local Catholic community and surrounding areas, with mourners gathering at St John’s Makwa Mission as news of the disaster spread.
Road accidents involving public transport vehicles continue to raise concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities repeatedly urging motorists to exercise caution, especially during early morning travel after long overnight journeys.
