Seven (7) people died when a Passion Link bus carrying pilgrims from Bernard Mizeki caught fire on Sunday.
National Shrines chairperson, Reverend Father Edwin Selemani was cited as saying 14 others were hospitalised and three were critically Injured.
The annual pilgrimage takes place at the Bernard Mizeki shrine in Marondera and draws Anglicans from across Zimbabwe, the southern African region, and beyond.
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) also confirmed the accident in a post on their official X page. Police said:
The ZRP will be releasing information on a road traffic accident which occurred last night on 16/06/24 in which a bus carrying pilgrims from Bernard Mzeki caught fire near Gandanzara, Rusape.
An eyewitness and driver of a ZUPCO bus shared a video detailing the tragic scene.
According to an eyewitness who is also a driver of a ZUPCO bus, the fire broke out near a place referred to as “PaIshe” at Chibodzwa.
He recounted the harrowing moments as the bus was engulfed in flames, with victims crying out in pain. Despite the efforts of bystanders, they could only watch helplessly as the fire consumed the bus. According to the eyewitness, one bus managed to pass through before the burning vehicle blocked the road.
