Mutare-Masvingo road accident, three family members perish

THREE people from one family perished in Mutare on Saturday night while five others sustained serious injuries when the vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road and hit a tree.

Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Enock Chishiri confirmed the fatal crash and identified the deceased as Gilbert Sithole (63) from Harare, Sheila (25) and Mukudzei Chiota, both from Vambe village under Chief Chinamora.

Other occupants in the vehicle, Edmore Sithole (43), Hope Sithole (42), Bernadette Sithole (65), Tafadzwa Sithole (25), Trust Sithole (37) and Greater Chiota (52) sustained injuries. They were all rushed to Mutare Provincial Hospital for treatment.

According to police, the family members were travelling along Mutare-Masvingo Road when the accident happened at around 11:30pm.

"The driver of the vehicle Edward Edmore Sithole lost control of the Nissan truck they were traveling in at the 9km peg along Mutare-Masvingo Road. The vehicle veered off the road and hit a tree. Two people (Gilbert and Sheila) died on the spot," Chishiri said. All other passengers were rushed to Mutare Provincial Hospital for treatment, but unfortunately Mukudzei died on admission.

Chishiri said police were still investigating the cause of the accident, but he warned drivers to be cautious on the roads this festive season.

"All drivers should be cautious on the roads this festive season. They should avoid driving while tired and should also check whether their vehicles are roadworthy or not before driving, so as to avoid accidents," he said.

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