Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a message of condolence to the families of the 24 people who died in a head-on accident involving a long distance bus and a haulage truck along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway on Thursday.

He also declared the horrific accident a national disaster to pave way for the government to render assistance in the burials of the 24 victims.

“This horrific accident has left me horrified and heartbroken. Fellow Zimbabweans, our nation does not deserve this at all, let alone experiencing such a bloody incident at the beginning of the year. “We must do everything possible to curb this unjustified loss of life,” he said.

President Mnangagwa appealed to all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads, emphasizing the importance of safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

He also called on government agencies responsible for road safety to intensify their efforts, urging them to “work around the clock and evoke all legal means and powers available to them to reduce and subsequently put an end to such carnage.”

The President also extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, assuring them of the government’s support during this painful period.

“As I express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash, I also prayerfully reach out to all those injured and hospitalized, wishing them a speedy recovery,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has also expressed its profound sorrow over the tragedy.

In a statement, PAZ said, “The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in a horrific accident involving an Urban Connect bus and a truck near the Lutumba toll gate.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims.” The association called on all road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

It also urged the authorities to intensify enforcement of road safety measures, improve road infrastructure as well as conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

Additionally, the association emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns on road safety and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.

New Ziana