Harare, (New Ziana) -Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has sent condolence messages to families of the people who perished in a road accident in Harare on Wednesday and implored road users to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

Seven people died while eight others escaped with serious injuries following an accident involving three vehicles.

According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, three vehicles which included a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus, a haulage truck and a UD truck were involved in a pile up early Wednesday morning at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Dzivarasekwa Turn Off near Thuli Service Station.

Commissioner Nyathi said the commuter omnibus driver failed to give way at the traffic lights controlled junction resulting in the accident.

In his condolence message on Wednesday, Mhona expressed concern that the commuter omnibus was not certified to be roadworthy and not authorized to carry passengers and the driver did not have the requisite competences to drive a passenger service vehicle.

“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I have received news on the fatal road traffic crash that occurred this morning at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Dzivarasekwa Road. Tragically, seven people died whilst eight others were seriously injured when the driver of a commuter omnibus failed to give way and collided with a haulage truck.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and on my own behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to all the bereaved families. We mourn the demise of young men and women who perished in this crash. Our thoughts are with all the families of the people who were killed in the crash and our prayers are with those injured as they continue to receive treatment and care. We wish them a speedy recovery and recuperation,” he said.

Mhona said the accident is yet another clarion call to all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public to adhere to road traffic rules and exercise caution on the road.

He said the failure by the commuter omnibus driver to give way was reckless and thus a blatant violation of the country’s road traffic rules and regulations.

Mhona reminded and warned all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public that his Ministry will take stern measures to preserve the safety and security of the commuting public.

“Let me also take this opportunity to assure the nation that the Second Republic is committed to formulating robust legal, policy and administrative mechanisms to improve the country’s Road Safety Performance,” he said.

New Ziana