On December 15, 2024, a fire incident involving a Mandaza bus occurred at the 195-kilometer peg along the Harare-Masvingo road, sparking a significant response from local authorities.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the incident took place around 10:00 AM, and fortunately, all 58 passengers on board managed to escape without inj_ry.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with long-distance travel and the importance of vehicle maintenance to ensure passenger safety.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as smoke and flames engulfed the bus, which was en route to Harare.
Reports indicate that the fire erupted after the vehicle developed a mechanical fault, the specifics of which are still under investigation.
Passengers, startled but quick to react, exited the bus in an orderly manner when flames began to erupt from the front of the vehicle. The quick actions of the passengers in alerting one another and exiting the bus contributed significantly to their overall safety.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene to manage the fire and ensure no additional dangers arose from the incident.
By the time firefighters arrived, the bus had already been reduced to a burnt shell, rendering it completely unusable. Authorities are now focused on determining the root causes of the mechanical failure that led to the fire and will likely enforce stricter safety regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Following the incident, the ZRP conducted a thorough investigation and encouraged bus companies to reinforce vehicle checks and maintenance routines to mitigate the risk of similar incidents repeating themselves.
In light of this event, travel operators are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize passenger safety above all else. As travel continues to be a fundamental aspect of life in Zimbabwe, ensuring the dependability and safety of public transport remains essential for the well-being of commuters nationwide.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
