By Tapiwa Chawagarira
MWENEZI East Member of Parliament Sheillah Chikomo has sent her message of solidarity to the community following the train-bus collision at Mutirikwi which claimed nine lives and injured others.
She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
The accident struck particularly close to home for the legislator, as the bus involved in the accident was carrying passengers from Mwenezi District and surrounding areas en route to Chiredzi via Triangle when the tragedy occurred.
Chikomo described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting that many families in her constituency and neighbouring communities had been affected by the loss of loved ones and injuries sustained in the crash.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. I also wish those who were injured a speedy and full recovery,” she said.
Residents from Mwenezi frequently travel to Chiredzi for business, health services, education, and other socio-economic activities, making the tragedy particularly painful for many families in the district.
Chikomo called on motorists, public transport operators, and all road users to exercise extreme caution at all times, especially when approaching railway crossings and other potentially dangerous sections of the country’s transport network.
She stressed that adherence to traffic regulations and vigilance on the roads remain critical to preventing avoidable loss of life.
“As we mourn those who have departed, let us also recommit ourselves to promoting a culture of road safety and responsibility, so that such tragedies can be avoided in the future,” she said.
The Mutirikwi collision has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from leaders and communities across Zimbabwe, as the nation continues to come to terms with one of the country’s most recent transport disasters.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to shed more light on the events that led to the fatal collision.
