By Maxwell Mapungwana
MARONDERA-Government has declared a State of Disaster following a horrific road traffic accident along the Harare-Masvingo Highway near Honeyspruit Bridge in Chikomba District, Mashonaland East Province, which has claimed 27 lives.
The declaration was made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] to enable the mobilisation of resources and coordination of assistance for victims and affected families.
The fatal crash involved a heavy truck carrying mining equipment from South Africa destined for Goromonzi District and a kombi transporting members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church who were travelling from Dema to Ndarikure in Mvuma.
“The two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision, resulting in an immediate fire. Several occupants of the kombi were trapped inside the vehicle, with some sustaining fatal burns,” said the minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe in a statement.
He said 24 people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to injuries upon arrival at Chivhu General Hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to 27 as of August 29.
“Seven other people sustained critical injuries and are currently admitted at Chivhu General Hospital for medical treatment,” said Garwe.
The kombi driver died at the scene, while the truck driver survived the crash and was transported by ambulance to Harare for further medical attention.
Garwe said Civil Protection structures, working alongside members of the public from Chivhu, responded swiftly to the tragedy and carried out search, rescue and recovery operations.
“Small cranes were used in the recovery of victims, while a fire tender was deployed to extinguish the fire,” he said.
The minister added that the heavy truck and mining equipment, which had blocked the entire carriageway following the collision, have since been removed using a heavy-duty crane, allowing normal traffic flow to resume along the highway.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for identification and post-mortem examinations.
“Government is working closely with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders to consolidate information and establish the identities of the deceased. The names of the victims will be released once the identification process has been completed and the information duly verified,” Garwe said.
He said the declaration of a State of Disaster would allow Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate interventions aimed at supporting survivors and families who lost their loved ones.
“Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends and members of the African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church following this tragic loss of life,” Garwe said.
“Government also wishes those injured a speedy and full recovery and assures the nation that all necessary measures are being taken to provide assistance and support to the affected families and survivors.”
