Staff Reporter

Two people died and several others were injured yesterday around 1000 hours when a Zupco bus they were travelling in burst a tyre before crushing a tree at the 118km peg along Gokwe-Kwekwe road.

The bus had 70 passengers and 56 sustained varying injuries while 12 passengers escaped unhurt.

Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed one person died on the spot and the other died upon admission at Gokwe District Hospital after the driver lost control of the bus.

“The left rear wheel burst and the driver lost control. It veered off the road, travelled for about 200 metres, hit a tree and stopped. The deceased have been identified as Blessing Mazonde a man, aged 31 of Mapfungautsi Stands, Gokwe Town while the other’s particulars are held pending the location and advice of the next of kin,” said Mahoko.

Police appealed to motorists to maintain low and safe speeds relevant to prevailing road circumstances.