FORTY-THREE people died on the spot while 30 were injured when a Zambia-bound King Lion bus rammed into a tree in the Nyamakate area in Hurungwe on Wednesday night.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the bus driver failed to negotiate a curve leading to him losing control of the bus which then hit a tree before overturning. Snr Asst Comm Charamba said due to the impact of the crash some of the seats were dislodged and thrown to the front of the bus.

“Five have since been transferred to Harare for further management while 25 are receiving treatment at Chinhoyi and Karoi hospitals and are in a stable condition.

“The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem,” she said. Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police are investigating the accident and more details will be availed in due course.

The International Cross- Border Traders’ Association immediately called on the Government to withdraw  King Lion Bus Company’s passenger permit.

The association’s president, Mr Denis Juru, said the company should be investigated on all accidents that their buses have been involved in over the years. “This bus company has been involved in too many accidents which add up to a large number of people having died.