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21 People Die in Horrific Manicaland Car Accident


Witnesses said some of the accident victims were burnt beyond recognition (Photo/Shepherd Maoneke)
Witnesses said some of the accident victims were burnt beyond recognition (Photo/Shepherd Maoneke)
Twenty one people perished in a road accident in Chisumbanje on Wednesday after a T35 truck allegedly side swiped an ethanol tanker which then exploded, burning most of the victims beyond recognition.

Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, confirmed the deaths and said they are yet to release the names of the deceased as in most cases they are dealing with charred remains.

The accident comes a few days after seven family members, also coming from a funeral, died on the spot in Gweru when their Toyota Corolla collided with a bus. In Wednesday’s accident the T35 truck was carrying about 30 mourners. At least 19 people died on the spot and others on their way to hospital.

In a press statement, Green Fuel Private Limited said it is joining “the Chisumbanje community, the nation at large and most importantly the families of the deceased, in mourning the lives tragically lost in a road accident which occurred today in Chipinge South, along the Tanganda – Chiredzi highway near Checheche.

It further said, “As we come to terms with the devastating aftermath of this tragedy, we convey our sincere heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,”

An eye witness Claris Madhuku of the Platform for Youth Development said some of his relatives died in the accident.

According to Transport Minister Nicholas Goche, there are 28 deaths per every 10,000 registered vehicles and there is a traffic collision every 15 minutes with an average of 45 people getting injured per day, while on average five people are killed daily in Zimbabwe.
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