Online Reporter
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fatal road-rail accident at a railway level crossing in Triangle, Chiredzi, a National Disaster following a crash that claimed nine lives and left several others injured.
The declaration is intended to enable Government to mobilise resources and provide support to bereaved families and those receiving medical treatment after the tragedy.
In a condolence message on Thursday, President Mnangagwa expressed shock and sorrow over the collision involving a bus and a train at a level crossing in Triangle on June 17.
“To assist the bereaved families and all those receiving medical care, I have since directed government to declare this bloody accident a National Disaster. This important step helps government mobilise the necessary support to the affected families,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State described the accident as particularly devastating because it occurred barely a week after another tragedy in which seven schoolchildren lost their lives in similar circumstances.
“It is with a profound sense of shock and deep sorrow that I learnt of the horrific collision of a bus and a train at a level crossing in Triangle yesterday, which tragically claimed nine precious lives and left several others injured,” he said.
“What makes this incident particularly devastating is the heartbreaking loss of school children, barely a week after we lost seven others in similar circumstances.”
President Mnangagwa extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.
“On behalf of the Party ZANU-PF, Government, the people of Zimbabwe, and my behalf, I extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as I also wish all those injured and hospitalised speedy recovery.”
He said the nation stood in solidarity with the affected families during their time of grief.
“May they derive comfort and solace from the knowledge that our whole Nation joins them in this hour of bereavement.”
The crash occurred at a railway level crossing in Triangle, Chiredzi District, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to several others.
