2 dead and 33 injured in separate accidents involving ZUPCO buses! Two separate road accidents involving ZUPCO buses on Wednesday morning have resulted in the loss of two lives and left 33 others injured. These incidents occurred along major highways in Featherstone and Marondera, sparking concerns about road safety in Zimbabwe.
First Accident: Collision Between Elsberry and ZUPCO Buses
The first tragic incident occurred at around 9:30 AM along the Harare-Masvingo Road, near the 105-kilometre peg in Featherstone. A collision between an Elsberry Bus and a ZUPCO bus led to the death of one individual, while 26 others sustained injuries.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the ZUPCO bus overturned following the crash and landed on its side. The police confirmed that one person died on the spot in the collision, and the injured passengers were transported to Chivhu General Hospital for treatment.
The police reported the following details about the crash:
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 105-kilometre peg along Harare-Masvingo Road in Featherstone on 06/11/24 at around 0930 hours. One person died on the spot while 26 others were injured when an Elsberry Bus collided with a ZUPCO bus.”
The body of the deceased has been taken to Chivhu General Hospital for a post-mortem, while those injured are receiving medical care at the same hospital. The crash has sparked concerns about safety, especially with the high volume of traffic on the Harare-Masvingo Road.
Second Accident: ZUPCO Bus Overturns in Marondera
The second fatality occurred earlier that same morning, at around 7:45 AM, when a ZUPCO bus veered off the road and overturned along the Harare-Mutare Road. The incident took place near the 39-kilometre peg in Marondera. Tragically, one person died on the spot, while seven others were injured.
The ZRP confirmed the incident, noting that the ZUPCO bus had landed on its roof after veering off the road. The police provided the following details:
“One person died on the spot while seven others were injured when a ZUPCO bus veered off the road and overturned before landing on its roof at the 39-kilometre peg along Harare-Mutare Road on 06/11/24 at around 0745 hours.”
The body of the victim was taken to Marondera Provincial Hospital for post-mortem, and the injured individuals are receiving treatment at the same hospital. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, although initial reports suggest that poor road conditions or driver error may have contributed to the accident.
Rising Concerns About Road Safety
These two separate incidents on Wednesday have raised significant concerns about road safety, especially on Zimbabwe’s busy highways. With road accidents being a leading cause of death and injury in the country, the ZRP has called for increased vigilance and safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
In previous statements, the ZRP has urged bus drivers and other motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads. Despite these calls, incidents of road carnage continue to occur, with many of them involving public transport vehicles, which often carry large numbers of passengers.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the safety of ZUPCO buses, which are a major mode of public transport in the country. The frequency of accidents involving ZUPCO buses has led to calls for better training for bus drivers, as well as improved maintenance of vehicles to prevent mechanical failures that could contribute to accidents.
ZRP’s Appeal for Caution
In response to the recent accidents, the ZRP has once again urged all drivers, especially those operating buses, to be more cautious and adhere to traffic rules. Police spokespersons have repeatedly stated that driving under the influence, speeding, and reckless driving are some of the main causes of road accidents in the country.
They also emphasized the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, suggesting that regular checks could help prevent mechanical failures that may lead to accidents.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with road safety issues, the recent fatalities have highlighted the urgent need for more stringent measures to ensure the safety of passengers and reduce the high number of road-related deaths in the country.
Conclusion
The fatal accidents involving ZUPCO buses in Featherstone and Marondera have once again underscored the need for heightened awareness and caution on the roads. With two lives tragically lost and dozens more injured, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the ongoing challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s public transport sector.
Authorities continue to call for greater responsibility from all road users, particularly bus drivers, to ensure the safety of passengers and reduce the number of road accidents in the country.
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