By Everson Luhanga
- A bus and a truck collided near Beitbridge, killing 24 people and injuring over 30, with 12 in critical condition.
- Emergency response was delayed by four hours, and bystanders filmed the scene instead of helping the injured. Authorities are investigating the crash.
A devastating head-on collision between a bus and a truck has left 24 people dead.
The accident happened 10km from the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Reports indicate that the victims were traveling on a bus from Zimbabwe to South Africa when it crashed into a truck carrying 34 tonnes of magnesium, heading to Chirundu on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer Dr Lenos Samhere confirmed that 17 people died at the scene, while seven others succumbed to severe head injuries after being taken to the hospital. More than 30 people were injured, with 12 in critical condition.
A motorist, Thomas Nhundu, who was driving behind the bus, said emergency services arrived nearly four hours after the crash.
“The ambulance that responded did not have a stretcher and could only transport three people to the hospital,” said Nhundu.
He was frustrated that bystanders were more focused on recording videos and taking pictures instead of helping the injured.
Photos and videos of the crash have been circulating on social media.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
Pictured above: The crash scene where 24 people died near the Beitbridge border.
Image source: Facebook
