Crash kills soccer fans
7 DeMbare supporters die as kombi uproots trees
SEVEN Dynamos supporters died while 16 others were seriously injured when a Benz Sprinter they were travelling in burst a tyre and overturned before landing on its roof at the 173km peg along Harare-Bulawayo Road yesterday.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident which occurred at around 12 noon when the Benz Sprinter with Dynamos supporters travelling to Gweru for their team’s Premier Soccer League match against Chapungu was involved in the accident.
Chief Supt Nyathi said on approaching the 173km peg, the vehicle had a tyre burst resulting in the driver losing control. The vehicle then veered off the road, overturned and landed on its roof. He said the seven died on the spot.
“I can confirm that seven people died while 16 others were seriously injured when a Benz Sprinter they were travelling in had a tyre burst and overturned before landing on its roof at the 173km peg along Harare Bulawayo Road.
“The bodies of the seven were taken to Kadoma General Hospital mortuary. Four of the injured passengers were taken to the same hospital while 12 others were taken to Kwekwe Hospital where they are receiving treatment,” he said.
Chief Supt Nyathi said the names of the deceased will be released once their next of kin have been advised. He said police were yet to establish the actual number of people who were on board when the accident occurred. Chief Supt Nyathi warned motorists against using expired and worn-out tyres as tyre bursts have been the major cause of accidents in the past few months.
“Most accidents in the past few months have been as a result of tyre bursts. Most motorists do not check the expiry date of their tyres. Motorists should also desist from using second hand and worn-out tyres to avoid accidents” he warned.
When Sunday News got to the scene, bodies of the victims were being taken to the mortuary.
One of the accident survivors Mr Wellington Nyagumbo said the driver lost control of the Benz Sprinter and it veered off the road before hitting several trees. He said the vehicle then overturned before landing on its roof facing the direction where it was coming from.
“I was seated on the front seat when the accident occurred. The Sprinter had a tyre burst and swerved to the left and hit several trees before it overturned and landed on its roof. Most passengers were thrown out of the vehicle while some were trapped underneath” said Mr Nyagumbo.
Meanwhile, Dynamos coach Lloyd Mutasa has passed his condolences to the bereaved families. Mutasa said it was unfortunate that the supporters died while travelling to Gweru to support their team which shows great passion and determination.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident. It’s sad when lives are lost in such a manner. We have dedicated our win to them,” he said.
Minister of Sport and Recreation Cde Makhosini Hlongwane has also sent a message of condolence to the families and relatives of the deceased Dynamos fans. In a statement yesterday, Cde Hlongwane expressed shock at the sudden and unexpected loss of lives in the mishap.
“I am shocked by the loss of lives of Dynamos supporters who perished today (yesterday) in an accident at Battlefields on their way to the Dynamos/ Chapungu match in Gweru. I convey profound sympathies to the families for the loss and condoles with them during this very difficult time. May their souls rest in peace,” said Cde Hlongwane.
The accident comes barely a month after members of the Guta Ra Mwari (GRM) church held a cleansing ceremony along the Harare-Bulawayo highway to rid the route of evil spirits believed to be responsible for the carnage witnessed on the road over the years.