Zimbabwe Declares Beatrice Road Accident a National Disaster, 16 Killed

The Zimbabwe government has declared the Beatrice road accident that killed 16 people, mostly from the Angels Family Apostolic Church, on April 26, 2024, a national disaster. The tragic incident occurred at around 4 pm on the Harare-Masvingo highway when a haulage truck collided head-on with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter carrying 44 passengers.

The deceased were members of the Angels Family Apostolic Church who were traveling to the Makumimavi shrine in Chivhu. Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona expressed the government's sadness over the accident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families while wishing the injured a quick recovery.

Police investigations revealed that the accident occurred after the haulage truck, which was traveling towards Harare, hit a VW Polo vehicle from behind, causing the truck to veer into the oncoming lane and collide with the Sprinter. Fifteen passengers died at the scene, and one of the 29 injured victims passed away at Chitungwiza Hospital.

Why this matters: The Beatrice road accident is one of the deadliest in Zimbabwe's recent history. It highlights the need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The police have released the names of 11 of the 16 victims, including six minors: Elisha Jack (6), Elija Jack (5), Ezra Jack (1), Leeroy Kido (8), Lloyd Kido (4), and Kelly Kwenda (3), all from Epworth. The identified adult victims are Joyce Mudzinzwa (44), Prudence Mahachi (31), Talent Rangwa (23), Elmod Ncube (18), and Decision Maizivei (26). The remaining five victims are yet to be identified by their next of kin.

The government has pledged to assist the bereaved families with funeral expenses and cover the medical costs of the injured. Ministers Mhona and Daniel Garwe of Local Government and Public Works visited the accident scene and the victims at the hospitals. They expressed concern over the overcrowding of the Sprinter bus and urged the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to raise awareness on road safety. "The government plans to revisit the legislation on the driving of public service vehicles to curb road accidents," Minister Mhona stated.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged motorists to be more observant on the roads, adhere to speed limits, and follow road rules and regulations to prevent such tragic incidents. As the nation mourns the loss of 16 lives in this devastating accident, the government's declaration of the event as a national disaster underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe declares Beatrice road accident a national disaster, 16 killed.
• Haulage truck collided head-on with Mercedes Benz Sprinter carrying 44 passengers.
• Victims were members of Angels Family Apostolic Church traveling to a shrine.
• Government to assist bereaved families and cover medical costs of injured.
• Authorities urge motorists to observe traffic rules to prevent such accidents.