PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fatal road traffic accident that claimed seven lives of school children that occurred in Gweru this Wednesday a national disaster.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of seven schoolchildren, who perished after a commuter omnibus in which they were travelling caught fire in Senga suburb.
Eleven other pupils, together with the driver, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, said the declaration of the accident as a national disaster enables Government to mobilise resources and provide immediate assistance to the bereaved families as well as those injured in the tragedy.
Dr Rushwaya said the Government will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support during this difficult period.
President Mnangagwa has once again urged all road users to exercise maximum caution and adhere to traffic regulations, warning that the country has witnessed a worrying rise in fatal road accidents over the past 30 days.
The Head of State expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those receiving treatment.
