Two people tragically lost their lives, and 43 others sustained injuries in a horrific bus accident on Saturday along the Bulawayo-Gwanda Highway.
An Inter Africa bus, travelling from Mutare to Bulawayo, veered off the road and overturned at the Umguza Bridge. The incident underscores the perilous conditions on this stretch of road, raising serious concerns about road safety in the region.
The Bulawayo Fire Brigade played a critical role in the aftermath of the accident, swiftly responding to the scene. Bulawayo chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, confirmed the details of the incident.
“An Inter Africa bus from Mutare heading into Bulawayo city centre veered off the road and overturned at Umguza Bridge along the Gwanda/Bulawayo Road. The bus had 50 passengers on board, two died and 43 were injured,” he said.
The fire brigade’s crucial intervention included rescuing three passengers trapped within the wreckage of the overturned bus.
The injured passengers were immediately transported to Mpilo Central Hospital for urgent medical attention. Mr Moyo attributed the accident, at least in part, to the treacherous road conditions following recent rainfall.
He stressed the need for increased caution amongst drivers during the rainy season, noting, “The area was very slippery after the recent rains and we encourage drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads as the rainy season has started.”
This accident is not an isolated incident. Mr Moyo highlighted the alarming frequency of accidents at this particular location, stating, “This is the third incident in the same area within a week.”
He detailed a previous incident involving a Land Rover cruiser that veered off the road at the same spot on Friday, resulting in three serious injuries. He also mentioned an earlier oil spill that necessitated the fire brigade’s involvement in decontamination efforts, further highlighting the hazardous nature of the area.
“At one point we were called to decontaminate the area when there was an oil spill and we had to engage the Environment Management Agency,” he explained.
Mr Moyo’s concerns extend beyond immediate responses to accidents. He advocates for proactive measures to improve road safety, suggesting, “The Bulawayo Fire Brigade also recommends that speed humps are erected in order for motorists to reduce speed when approaching the area.”
This recommendation underscores the need for preventative measures to mitigate the risk of future accidents on this dangerous stretch of highway.
The tragic accident also comes at a time of heightened concern regarding cross-border road transport safety. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has announced upcoming meetings between Zimbabwean and South African officials to address the alarming increase in fatal cross-border bus accidents. These discussions, scheduled from Thursday to next Monday, aim to develop strategies for reducing accidents and improving the control of dangerous goods transported between the two countries.
The initiative follows a significant rise in fatal accidents involving cross-border buses in South Africa, prompting the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) to engage with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport. In a statement, C-BRTA’s executive manager for law enforcement, Dr Linda Mbana, confirmed the planned discussions, stating that the agency will partner with Zimbabwe to strategise on safety, compliance, and road accident reduction measures. These discussions are crucial for improving road safety and preventing future tragedies.
