Three people, among them a five-year-old boy, who were returning from Independence Day celebrations in Marondera, died on Tuesday when their overloaded truck rolled back a steep slope before plunging into a river at the 24km peg along the Marondera-Wedza Road.
By Jairos Saunyama
The driver, Milton Bhunu (22), who was reportedly not a holder of a valid driver’s licence, was among those who died in the accident, which left two others injured.
While Mashonaland East Province acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza could not be reached for comment yesterday, Wedza North MP David Musabayana confirmed the accident.
He said some of the victims were admitted at Marondera Provincial Hospital.
“It is true, three people died near Karimba Dam while coming from independence celebrations. As I speak, I am on my way to the hospital to see the injured,” he said.
On the fateful day, at around 6pm, Bhunu was driving a Mazda B2500 towards Wedza with 16 passengers on board.
It is reported that on approaching the 24km peg, just after crossing Karembwe bridge, Bhunu failed to go up a steep ascent, resulting in the vehicle moving backwards, veering off the road and plunging into a pool.
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Other passengers who died on the spot were Tamari Munengiwa (12) and Enock Munengiwa (5) of Ruware Range, Village 2, who drowned after falling into the pool.
Marondera Traffic Police attended the scene and conveyed the deceased’s bodies to Marondera Provincial Hospital for post-mortem.
