Police still to identify crash victims

POLICE have confirmed that at least five people were burnt beyond recognition on Friday when a Beta bus collided with a Pandela Logistics fuel tanker at the 242km peg along the Harare-Mutare road resulting in a massive inferno.

In a statement, police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said five people died in the horror crash, while 60 passengers were battling for their lives at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and one was admitted at Bonda Mission hospital.

Provincial Development Coordinator Edgar Seenza had also earlier confirmed the tragedy saying five people had died in the accident while 60 had survived.

"Fifty nine people are hospitalised at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and one (1) is admitted at Bonda Mission hospital," Seenza said.

He said police were yet to establish the identity of the deceased.

"Remains of people burnt beyond recognition were recovered and bagged," he said, adding that "DNA tests will be carried out."

Seenza said the accident was a result of encroachment after the Beta bus driver allegedly changed lanes while attempting to avoid hitting a man who was in the road and appeared drunk.

"A Beta bus travelling from Harare to Mutare moved from it's lane around the Matongo area allegedly trying to avoid a drunken man. In the process, a Pandela Logistics fuel tanker travelling from Mutare to Harare hit the encroaching bus almost at the centre of the left side of the bus."

The PDC said Police were assisted by the Mutare City Council Fire Tender, NOIC Fire Tender and the Allied Timber Zimbabwe Fire Tender to put out the fire.

Seenza went on to assure travellers that the Matongo area where the accident occurred was now accessible as the wreckage had been removed from the road.

"A Bigrock Front End Loader removed the wreckage from the road and an Allied Timber Zimbabwe Fire Tender then washed the affected tarmac area. Traffic is now flowing smoothly."