Tragic Collision Near Beitbridge Border Claims 24 Lives; Miraculous Survival of 8-Year-Old Girl

Tragic Collision Near Beitbridge Border Claims 24 Lives; Miraculous Survival of 8-Year-Old Girl

Beitbridge, Zimbabwe – In a devastating accident near the Beitbridge Border, a head-on collision between a bus and a truck resulted in the loss of 24 lives. Remarkably, an 8-year-old girl emerged as the sole survivor, escaping without any injuries. She is now reportedly asking for her mother.

The Incident

The tragedy unfolded when a Zimbabwean-South Africa bound bus collided head-on with a commercial truck just 10 kilometers from the Beitbridge Border. The Urban Connect bus, en route to South Africa, collided with a Chirundu-bound truck carrying 34 tonnes of magnesium at the Lutumba tollgate along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway. citeturn0search0

Casualties and Survivor

According to Beitbridge District Medical Officer, Dr. Lenos Samhere, 17 people died at the scene, while seven others succumbed to severe head injuries upon arrival at the hospital. Over 30 injured passengers were admitted to the hospital, with 12 in critical condition. Amidst the tragedy, an 8-year-old girl survived without any injuries and is now asking for her mother. citeturn0search0

Official Response

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his sorrow, declaring the incident a national disaster and stating that the government will cover funeral expenses. He urged drivers to exercise extreme caution on the roads. citeturn0news5

Road Safety Concerns

Road accidents, particularly involving buses, are common in the country due to speeding and poor road conditions, although the accident site was recently resurfaced as part of infrastructure improvements. citeturn0news5

Community Impact

The loss of 24 lives has sent shockwaves through the community, with families mourning the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones. The miraculous survival of the young girl offers a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow, though her inquiries about her mother add a poignant layer to the tragedy.

Conclusion

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. As the nation mourns, authorities are likely to intensify efforts to improve road safety measures to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.