A Zimbabwean-South Africa bound bus was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial truck just 10 kilometers from the Beitbridge Border, killing 24 people on Thursday morning.
The Urban Connect bus, en route to South Africa, collided with a Chirundu-bound truck carrying 34 tonnes of magnesium at the Lutumba tollgate along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway.
Bus Accident Casualties and Medical Response
According to Beitbridge District Medical Officer, Dr. Lenos Samhere, the fatal collision resulted in 24 deaths. 17 people lost their lives on the spot, while seven others, who had sustained severe head injuries, succumbed to their wounds upon arrival at the hospital. The hospital has admitted over 30 injured passengers, with 12 in critical condition.
Eyewitness Shares Details of Bus Accident
An eyewitness, identified as Thomas Nhundu, recounted the harrowing scene. He was driving behind the bus when the accident occurred. “The accident took place around 7 AM, but the police and health workers only arrived at around 11 AM. The ambulance that responded did not have a stretcher and could only transport three people to the hospital,” he told Moreboys Munetsi during a Facebook livestream. Nhundu also suggested that the bus driver might have been speeding, potentially contributing to the collision.
Lack of Assistance from Bystanders
Beyond the tragedy of the accident itself, Nhundu lamented that bystanders focused on taking videos and pictures of the wreckage instead of offering assistance.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing road safety concerns on major highways and the need for improved emergency response systems to prevent further loss of life.
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