20 Survive After South Africa-Bound Bus Gutted by Flames in Zimbabwe, 42 Perish

HARARE – More than 20 people survived deadly flames that swept through a South Africa-bound bus on Thursday evening in Zimbabwe. The bus – on its way from Bulawayo to Musina – caught fire, killing at least 42 people, according to local media reports.

Many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition and more than 20 survivors were taken to hospital, the Zimbabwe Red Cross said.

Photographs showed the bus’s gutted shell on the side of a road in Gwanda district, about 550km south of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital.

Police said there had been a leak in a gas canister being carried on the bus, state broadcaster ZBC reported. The force gave no immediate comment on what triggered the blaze.

The bus driver – who survived – is reported by the BBC to have said he pulled over to the side of the road because of a “strange smell”; and when he turned on the lights to check… the bus burst into flames.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he was “devastated” by the tragedy, which took place just over a week after 50 people died when two buses collided east of the capital.

“I urge all my fellow citizens to be extra cautious on the roads – check the safety of your vehicles, slow down, put safety first,” he tweeted.

At the time of that tragedy, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his deepest condolences on behalf of the people of South Africa, and said: “We appeal to all travelling between South Africa and Zimbabwe or our neighboring countries to always exercise caution. Road carnages rob us of our breadwinners and delay our family developments.”

(Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe/Reuters and Jenni Baxter/SAPeople)

I was devastated to learn of last night’s tragedy, the second major accident in recent weeks. The thoughts and prayers of a grieving nation go out to the wounded and the families of those killed. We will ensure they get the care and support they require. (1/2)

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) November 16, 2018