By Courts and Crime Reporter — Over 30 people were injured in separate road accidents involving Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) buses on Wednesday morning, with incidents occurring near Featherstone and Marondera.
The crashes have sparked fresh concerns over the roadworthiness of ZUPCO buses, which many fear may be compromising passenger safety.
The first incident took place around 9:30 AM along the Harare-Masvingo Road, near the 105-kilometre mark in Featherstone.
A collision between an Elsberry Bus and a ZUPCO bus resulted in the tragic death of one passenger and left 26 others injured.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) provided a statement on the incident, confirming:
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 105-kilometre peg along Harare-Masvingo Road in Featherstone on 06/11/24 at around 0930 hours. One person died on the spot while 26 others were injured when an Elsberry Bus collided with a ZUPCO bus.”
Following the collision, the ZUPCO bus overturned and landed on its side. The deceased’s body was transported to Chivhu General Hospital for post-mortem, while the injured were admitted for medical treatment.
In a separate incident, another ZUPCO bus veered off the Harare-Mutare Road and overturned, resulting in one fatality and injuring seven others.
According to the ZRP:
“One person died on the spot while seven others were injured when a ZUPCO bus veered off the road and overturned before landing on its roof at the 39-kilometre peg along Harare-Mutare Road on 06/11/24 at around 0745 hours.”
The body of the victim from the Marondera crash was taken to Marondera Provincial Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.
These incidents have amplified concerns regarding the condition and safety of ZUPCO’s fleet.
Questions are being raised about the buses’ roadworthiness, particularly in light of repeated accidents.
There is an urgent call for thorough inspections and more rigorous maintenance of public transport vehicles to prevent future tragedies.