Beitbridge Road Accident Death Toll Rises
By Priviledge Zviregei
The death number resulting from the road accident in Beitbridge on Saturday has now increased from nine to eleven.
This unfortunate incident occurred when a City Bus coach, which was en route from South Africa to Harare, collided with a donkey. As a result, the coach veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Blue Circle bus.
Tragically, seven passengers lost their lives immediately at the scene, while two more passed away upon arrival at Beitbridge District Hospital.
In response to this tragedy, the Government and the bus operators have come forward to offer support to the victims’ families.
They have pledged assistance with medical expenses and funeral costs. Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, the Minister of Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, confirmed the deaths of two additional passengers during her visit to survivors at United Bulawayo Hospital. She also mentioned that efforts were being made to repatriate the body of a South African national who was among those who died in the accident.
During her visit, Dr Ndlovu expressed satisfaction with the care being provided by the medical staff to the survivors. She commended the bus operators for their active involvement in supporting the survivors and assured that the Government would provide assistance as well.
“The medical staff are efficient and I am happy with the manner in which they are treating our survivors. They have informed me of requirements they need to proceed with surgeries on those that require surgery. I have told them to work closely with the bus operators who are already footing the bill and are also complementing the Government’s efforts to assist,” said Dr Ndlovu.
The operators, represented by Blue Circle operations manager Mr Nicholas Gowo and City Bus operations manager Mr Sam Matanda, expressed their condolences and pledged to cover the expenses for the affected families, including medical bills and funeral costs.
“We too lost our drivers and it is really a sad scenario. We are working closely with the Government to ensure that all the people that were affected by the accident are catered for,” said Mr Gowo.
“We will assist in every way possible. It is sad that we lost lives in the accident and we mourn with the families,” said Mr Matanda.
It is a tragic event that has deeply affected both the victims’ families and the bus operators involved. However, the Government, medical staff, and bus operators are working together to provide necessary support, financial assistance, and medical care to the survivors and grieving families.
