Bus accident death toll rises to 20 in Zimbabwe

HARARE—Zimbabwean police have tallied the number of people who died on Wednesday night to 20 in an accident involving a South Africa-bound bus and a haulage truck about 220 km. from Harare, with the driver of the haulage truck now facing culpable homicide charges.

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba told The Herald newspaper Friday that the truck driver was believed to have encroached into the lane of the bus, resulting in the collision that left both vehicles up in smoke, about 90 km. from Masvingo.

“The truck driver is going to be charged with culpable homicide because he is the one who encroached into the land of the bus, resulting in the side-swipe,” she said.

The bus driver also survived the accident.

The dead were burnt beyond recognition and police forensic experts are now trying to identify them with help of DNA matches from relatives.

At least 40 other passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.

A 29-year-old woman survived and also saved her 11-month-old daughter by jumping through the window of the burning bus while holding her in one hand.

She is now nursing some burns and a broken leg after landing badly, according to the newspaper.

Meanwhile, the government will give bereaved families USD200 for each victim to help meet funeral expenses.