Seven perish in bus, car collision

GWERU – Seven people have died and three others seriously injured when a vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head on collision with a Dawliner bus, about seven kilometers out of Gweru along the Gweru-Shurugwi highway.

The seven comprise of six adults and a child. Eye witnesses say the driver of the Toyota Corolla failed negotiate a curve as he was speeding, resulting in him losing control of the vehicle. The injured have been rushed to Gweru General Hospital.

“The driver of the small car lost control and veered off the road to the left verge. He battled the car and tried to swing it back into the road but failed to maintain his lane. He encroached into the right lane where he sideswiped with an oncoming bus. Things happened very fast,” said the witness.

Police are withholding the names of the deceased until their next of kin have been informed.

Deputy Officer Commanding Midlands Province Assistant Commissioner Learn Ncube said the seven were on their way from a family function in Mberengwa when tragedy struck.

He said preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Toyota Corolla was speeding.

“The Toyota Corolla was coming from Mberengwa and had seven people on board, all from the same family.

“The seven people including a three-year-old girl died on the spot. However, no one aboard the bus was injured,” he said.

Asst Comm Ncube said the bodies of the victims were ferried to Gweru Provincial Hospital Mortuary.

“We advise all motorists to abide by road rules and regulations to avoid accidents,” said Asst Comm Ncube.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Midlands Cde Jason Machaya, who visited the accident scene, encouraged motorists to drive safely.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident. As the Government we would want to ensure that road accidents are reduced and motorists adhere to speed limits,” he said.