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Wreckage of the Sprinter involved in the accident

Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
THE Kwekwe accident which claimed 31 people after a Pfochez Yutong Bus burst its front right tyre before sideswiping with Mercedes Benz Sprinter has been declared a national disaster and Government through the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has pledged to assist the bereaved families.

The State will meet funeral and burial expenses.

Speaking during his visit of Kwekwe, head of the inter ministerial committee on national disasters and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde Savior Kasukuwere said President Mugabe had authorized the declaration of the accident as a national disaster.

Minister Kasukuwere said Government will supply coffins, meet funeral costs and provide transport.

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“President Mugabe has authorized that this tragic incident be declared a national disaster. Government will mobilise resources to assist the bereaved families with transport to take their relatives’ bodies to their respective areas of burial as well as supplying coffins and food for the funerals. This is the second largest disaster that we have ever had,” he said.

Briefing Minister Kasukuwere, Police Officer Commanding Midlands Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Abigail Moyo said the accident could have been avoided if the driver of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter Bhekithemba Tshuma had reduced speed and pulled off to the left to avoid the impact.