President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Gweru school tragedy that claimed the lives of seven pupils a national disaster.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday in the Senga suburb of Gweru when a commuter omnibus carrying schoolchildren caught fire. Seven learners lost their lives, while 11 other pupils and the driver sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
The declaration was announced by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.
Dr Rushwaya said the declaration would enable the Government to quickly mobilise resources and provide assistance to the affected families and survivors.
He said the move would allow authorities to provide “immediate support to both the bereaved families mourning their children and the survivors currently recovering from the trauma and their injuries.”
Dr Rushwaya added that relevant Government departments were working with stakeholders to ensure that affected families receive the support they need during the difficult period.
President Mnangagwa expressed his condolences to the families who lost their children and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The President also urged motorists and road users to strictly follow traffic regulations, warning that the country has experienced a worrying increase in fatal road accidents in recent weeks.
He stressed the importance of road safety and called for greater caution on the country’s roads to help prevent further loss of life.
Government says it remains committed to improving road safety measures and addressing the causes of road accidents as investigations into the Gweru tragedy continue.
