Bees attack survivor as two perish in crash

TWO primary school pupils were yesterday morning killed when their car was side-swiped by another vehicle which had failed to stop at a traffic intersection, while their father was attacked by bees as he crawled out of the wreckage.

The minors — aged six and eight years — died on the spot after their father’s Mercedes Benz rammed a Muzeze tree that had a hollow containing bees at the intersection of Golden Stairs and Dorset roads. Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The accident occurred at the intersection of Golden Stairs and Dorset roads in Emerald Hill where a BMW and Mercedes Benz collided. It is alleged that the BMW was due South in Dorset Road while the Mercedes Benz was in Golden Stairs from the CBD and going in the northern direction.

“The BMW had no passengers and on approaching the intersection, it is alleged that the two vehicles collided with the BMW hitting the rear-right passenger door of the Mercedes Benz and at the end it hit a tree. Two passengers aged eight and six in the Mercedes Benz, were schoolchildren on their way to school and were trapped while the other escaped with some injuries,” he said.

Chief Supt Nyathi said the driver of the Mercedes Benz survived only to be attacked by bees. He appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching intersections.

When The Herald crew arrived at the scene at around 9am, pieces of metal and glass were scattered all over with scores of people fanning off the bees. Some used fire extinguishers that were scattered all over.

According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was heading towards Mazowe Road and had its roof ripped open on impact by the tree after it was side-swiped by a BMW whose driver failed to stop at a Give Way sign.

“The driver of the BMW did not stop at an intersection and hit the Mercedes Benz at the back. The vehicle swerved on the road and went to hit the tree by its side,” Mr Tapiwa Mademo said.

Mr Jason Chinyanyiwa said motorists and people from the neighbourhood rushed to assist the Mercedes Benz driver who was crawling in the middle of the road with bees all over his face.

“We stood for a few minutes because bees were attacking everyone and people from neighbouring houses and motorists rushed with fire extinguishers and sprayed them off. A young boy escaped with minor injuries and had to flee with a swarm of bees trailing him.” The Herald