The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has provided details on how the Pashonlink bus caught fire at the 26-kilometre mark along Nyabadza-Gandanza Road on Sunday evening.
In a statement on Monday evening, the police reported that the bus fire occurred around 7:00 PM on Sunday.
The ZRP explained the sequence of events leading to the fire. Investigations revealed that some passengers noticed smoke coming from the engine and alerted the driver. The driver stopped the bus to investigate. Upon opening the engine cover, a ball of fire erupted, engulfing the entire bus.
The driver and 57 passengers escaped through the door and emergency exit windows.
Police added that experts are on the scene to collect DNA samples to identify the eight victims.
ZRP Gives Update On the Condition of the Injured
According to the ZRP, eight people are suspected to have been burnt beyond recognition, and ten others were injured. Nine of the injured were admitted to Rusape General Hospital. Three have been treated and discharged, while one was transferred to Victoria Chitepo Hospital in Mutare.
On June 17, 2024, a tragic accident occurred in Gandanzara, Manicaland, Zimbabwe, involving a bus operated by Pashon Link Coaches. The bus, carrying 66 passengers returning from the Bernard Mizeki Shrine in Marondera, caught fire, resulting in the de@th of seven people. The bus did not have a certificate of fitness.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona, visited the scene
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Felix Mhona, visited the scene and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The government has revoked Pasholink Coaches’ operating license following the incident
The accident happened after the Pashon Link bus they were travelling in caught fire. The bus was carrying more than 65 members of the Anglican church coming from Bernard Mzeki where they had gone for a church gathering.