By Own Correspondent| The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has released $16 000 to families of the 32 people confirmed dead in the Brooklyn Express bus accident in Gwanda.

The accident, which was allegedly caused by a gas tank which exploded in the boot of the bus, saw the 32 burn to death in a explosion which reduced the bus to ashes.

The state broadcaster reported that contrary to media report claiming that over 40 people died in the inferno, the ZRP confirmed 32 deaths revealing that 27 others were injured while some of the victims are unaccounted for.

The Brooklyn bus was travelling from Bulawayo to Messina when tragedy struck along West Nicholson road around 11 pm on Thursday night.

The state broadcaster also reported that a desk has been set up at Gwanda Provincial Hospital to assist those who suspect that their relatives are victims of the tragedy.

However, the $16 000 funeral assistance money released by the CPU to assist the bereaved families will be disbursed after DNA tests have been carried out.