Seven Matongo Primary School Pupils Die After Kombi Bursts Into Flames in Gweru
Seven Matongo Primary School Pupils Die After Kombi Bursts Into Flames in Gweru– Tragedy struck in Gweru on Wednesday afternoon after seven pupils from Matongo Primary School were killed when a commuter omnibus they had boarded caught fire and was engulfed in flames shortly after leaving the school.
The horrific incident occurred in Senga suburb, leaving parents, teachers and the local community in shock.
According to reports, the pupils had just finished school and boarded the kombi for their journey home when the vehicle suddenly caught fire. Witnesses said the flames spread rapidly, trapping some of the children inside before they could escape.
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The seven victims, who included two boys and five girls, were reportedly burnt beyond recognition.
An additional 11 pupils, along with the driver and conductor, sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Gweru Mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko confirmed the incident, saying authorities were still gathering information.
“We have received reports of the tragic incident involving schoolchildren. Investigations are underway and more details will be provided once they become available,” said Chivhoko.
Preliminary reports suggest that a 10-litre container of petrol may have triggered the deadly blaze. Midlands Provincial Coordinator of the Public Service Commission, Andrew Chimanyiwa, accused the kombi crew of negligence.
“It’s total negligence. The driver and the conductor had a 10-litre jerry can containing petrol which they placed close to the battery after loading the children, and the vehicle exploded,” Chimanyiwa said.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and heartbreak as residents rushed to assist while the vehicle was consumed by flames.
“People tried to help, but the fire spread so quickly. It was a very painful scene to watch,” said one witness who was at the scene.
Police and other emergency services attended the incident, while investigations into the exact cause of the fire continue.
Authorities are expected to release the names of the deceased once their families have been notified.
