President Mugabe has declared state of disaster the horrific bus accident that killed 43 passengers and injured 33 others along the Harare-Chirundu highway on Wednesday night.

The declaration was announced by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday. The President is in New York where he is attending the inaugural High-Level UN Conference on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

“This accident is indeed tragic and my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. Arrangements are in place to assist the bereaved with mortuary services and burial support from both Government and the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe,” said Minister Kasukuwere.

The bus driver, who died on the spot, reportedly lost control of the vehicle at the 257km peg near Nyamakate shops at around 10pm on Wednesday. Survivors of the horrific crash accused the driver of speeding. The bus was Zambia-bound.