Zimpapers Logo

 

The bus veered off the road and crashed onto a tree near Ngundu Growth Point along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road killing 20 people on the spot while one died on admission at hospital. Forty-five people were injured.

One of the survivors, Ms Memory Katsiru (29) of Katsiru Village in Guruve, said the crash could have been avoided.

“I am lucky that I survived and I don’t even know how I survived since I was asleep when the accident occurred. However,  I remember that before I slept when we were approaching Mvuma, some passengers complained to the bus driver about his speed but he did not listen. I do not know how I survived . . . I think I was thrown out through the roof after it was ripped off during the accident,” said Ms Katsiru.

She sustained a broken shoulder and is admitted to Masvingo General Hospital.
Ms Petronella Mugandiwa (25) of Kuwadzana Extension in Harare also said the bus was speeding.

“I was asleep when the accident occurred but the driver was speeding. How can one explain a situation where we left paMudzi at around 9:20pm and around 1.45am we were already in Ngundu. That means the bus was speeding. I only remember some people pointing at me from the wreckage saying there is a survivor. I don’t know how I survived as I was trapped under the wreckage,” she said from her hospital bed.

Mr Rutendo Gava (25) also of Kuwadzana Extension said the driver declined to reduce speed when the passengers complained.

Meanwhile, police named nine more victims of the bus accident, bringing to 17 the number of people who have been identified.

Those identified and whose relatives have been informed are: Tichaona Chimedza of Waterfalls, Piola Zvomoyo of Vengere Township Rusape, Elsworth Benhura of Highfied in Harare (all age not given), Dudzai Karawu (27) of Mbare, Harare, Julien Gandawa (30) Glen View 3  Harare, Ivine Mabuda (18) of Gororo in Chivi,  Tambudzai Hodzi (31) from Chinzanga in Mutoko, Sarah Mwanza (49) of Chipuriro in Guruve and Washington Charuma (39), Kuwadzana 5 in Harare.

Relatives of some of the victims yesterday accused MegaLink Bus Company of misleading them on the assistance package.

Mr Rangarirai Koga of Murehwa, whose sister Prisca died in the crash, blasted the bus company, adding it reduced the initially announced $2 000 package.

He said the company later said it would pay $510 per deceased person, transport and a coffin.

“This is not fair because we have been here in Masvingo since yesterday (Monday) afternoon and we were waiting after the bus company officials said they were going to assist us in transporting our relatives and also providing coffins for burial. In fact, they told us that each victim was going to get $2 000 to cover funeral expenses,” said Mr Koga.

Mr Tendai Sabawu of Glen Norah who refused to reveal the identity of his deceased relative, accused MegaLink officials of being dishonest.

“This is our second day here and we could have footed the bills to carry our relative for burial yesterday, but they promised us $2 000  for funeral expenses and nothing has yet come out. They are now telling us that we will get only $510,” said Mr Sabawu.
Mrs Audrey Zimhamba of Hatfied in Harare who lost her husband Temba Zimhamba, said the promised assistance was later reduced.

“We were running up and down with my relatives since yesterday and nothing is forthcoming. We were promised $2 000 from the company’s insurance and we are now surprised to be told today (yesterday) that the package is only $510 . . . this is not fair,” said Mrs Zimhamba.
Cross-border Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Killer Zivhu, yesterday said Government should ensure all bus companies have adequate insurance to cover passengers.
Mr Zivhu said from the look of things, MegaLink might not have adequate insurance cover for all the passengers.

“We want to call upon Government to put in place mechanisms that compel bus companies to have full insurance cover for passengers. MegaLink Bus Company might not have adequate insurance to cover the passengers.  They have been dilly-dallying on burial assistance,” he said.

Mr Zivhu said Government should outlaw long distance buses from travelling at night to curb carnage on the roads.

However, MegaLink transport manager, Mr Joseph Kamujuve, yesterday denied that the company had promised the victims’ relatives $2 000 each.

Mr Kamujuve denied that his company was not doing enough to assist in the burial of the victims saying the company bought 21 coffins.

“We have full insurance cover and that story that each victim’s family was going to get $2 000 for funeral expenses might have been caused by misinformation. MegaLink Bus Company through its insurance company will give each family $510 cash and also a coffin. However, all the coffins are in Harare and as for transport, we are in the process of transporting six bodies to Harare,” he said.

He, however, could not say what will happen to the coffins of bodies of people from Masvingo and surrounding areas.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tinaye Matake, yesterday the death toll was still at 21.
“Relatives of the deceased are coming to identify the bodies,” he said.
On Monday, the Air Force of Zimbabwe airlifted nine critically injured survivors with severe head injuries and fractures to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare where they were yesterday still admitted.

The majority of them, hospital sources said, were in stable but critical conditions.
The coach that was Beitbridge bound was involved in the accident around 2am on Monday at the 92 kilometre peg after Masvingo.

At the time of the crash, the bus had 59 adult passengers and seven children.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary, while some of the injured were still receiving treatment at Neshuro and Chivi district hospitals yesterday.

Moonlight Funeral Assurance and Services donated 21 caskets to the deceased families.
In a statement yesterday, the company’s chief executive officer, Mr Chomi Makina, said the caskets will be delivered to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development to be distributed to the families.

There are reports that the bodies of the crash victims spent over 20 hours piled on the floor at the Masvingo General Hospital mortuary.

The Masvingo General Hospital mortuary has a capacity to carry not more than 24 bodies.
Doves Funeral Services and First Funeral Services had to intervene yesterday and offered free mortuary services for about 15 bodies.

Meanwhile, police have appealed to motorists to observe traffic regulations.
Officer-in-charge press and public relations Inspector Blessmore Chishaka, yesterday said the force will be out in full force before, during and after the Independence holiday to curb both criminal elements and those flouting traffic regulations.