Harare, (New Ziana) The minister of transport and infrastructure development Honorable Felix Mhona has sent a condolence message to families of passengers who died when a Hurungwe Coaches bus was involved in an accident in Gweru, the Midlands province on Wednesday.

On the fateful day, five passengers including a four-year-old child died on the spot whilst 21 others escaped with injuries when the bus driver failed to negotiate a roundabout near Fairmile Hotel resulting in the bus overturning.

“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I have received news of the fatal road traffic crash that occurred yesterday morning in Gweru near Fairmile Hotel. Tragically, five people died whilst 21 others were injured when the driver of a bus belonging to Hungwe Coaches failed to navigate through a traffic circle,” said the minister of transport and infrastructure development, Mhona in his condolence message to the bereaved families.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the bus and crashed, possibly due to excessive speed.

Mhona said it is certainly the worst nightmare to lose several of our beloved ones young men, women, and children in such a horrific crash, and it is undoubtedly the worst nightmare that families and the whole nation can endure.

“Our thoughts are with the victims of the crash, the bereaved families, the injured and the survivors who witnessed the gruesome, traumatic, and dark moment of the crash. During this sombre period, we call upon the whole nation to commiserate with the affected families, at a time when we wish a speedy recovery for the injured.

“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,” said Mhona.

He said the road traffic crash 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.

Whilst authorities are still investigating the causes of the crash, Mhona said he wishes to remind and warn all transport operators, motorists, and members of the public that the ministry will take stern measures to preserve the safety and security of the commuting public.

“We urge all road traffic law enforcement agencies to be on high alert to enforce the road traffic laws and ensure the safety and security of all road users.

“Our wish is that we sustain the momentum of the low rate of road crashes involving public service vehicles that we experienced during the recent Independence, Easter and Workers’ Day Holidays,” said Mhona.

New Ziana