Tinotenda Hove – A man believed to have been under the influence of alcohol lost his life on Sunday night after he was struck by a passenger bus along the Harare–Mutare highway, in an accident that also left 18 people injured.

The crash occurred at approximately 11 pm near Reeb Business Centre. The deceased, whose identity has not yet been disclosed as authorities work to notify his family, was reportedly walking in the middle of the highway when he was hit by a Mutare-bound General Bande bus. Witnesses at the scene alleged that the bus was travelling at high speed at the time of the incident.

Following the impact, the bus reportedly veered off the road and rolled several times before coming to rest on its side. The vehicle was carrying 65 passengers and sustained minor damage.

Rusape General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Stewart Karembo confirmed that one person died at the scene, while several passengers were injured.

“From the accident you are referring to, one person died on the spot. Four were in critical condition, and we transferred them to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, and 14 other victims are admitted at Rusape General Hospital.

The rest of the passengers were assessed and released,” said Dr Karembo.

Four passengers who sustained serious injuries were transferred to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for further treatment, while 14 remain admitted at Rusape General Hospital. The remaining passengers were treated and discharged.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.