Victims of fatal Bulawayo–Beitbridge commuter omnibus explosion named

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of nine of the 12 victims who died in a horrific road traffic accident after a commuter omnibus exploded along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road Thursday.

In a statement, police said the accident killed 12 people on the spot.

Police’s earlier reports had suggested the accident claimed around 18 lives.

“The police has established that 12 people were killed after a Toyota Quantum carrying 11 passengers exploded,” ZRP said.

Nine of the deceased have since been positively identified by their next of kin as: Thabani Moyo (37), Nobuhle Mdlongwa (37), Oscar Mdlongwa (44), Sicelesile Mabhena, Sibusiso Mabhena (5), Mhlupeki Limkani Sibanda (36), Tedious Ncube, Precious Moyo (36) and Promise Brian Gabadela.

Most of them were from Bulawayo.

Police indicated that efforts are still underway to identify the remaining victims and the cause of the accident.

“The bodies of the victims were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for postmortem.

“The cause of the explosion is yet to be established. More details to be released in due course.”