HARARE: At least eight people died and more than 50 others were injured when a bus carrying Anglican pilgrims caught fire on its journey back from an annual gathering in Zimbabwe, police said on Monday, AFP reported.
The incident occurred as the bus, transporting churchgoers from the Bernard Mizeki Annual Festival in Marondera, was returning to Manicaland province. According to police spokesman Paul Nyathi, the blaze resulted in eight fatalities, with victims “burnt beyond recognition.”
“We were unable to identify who exactly died and DNA should be carried out first. Two people are also missing,” Nyathi explained. Fourteen of the injured have been hospitalized for treatment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Nyathi assured that authorities are actively probing the incident to determine its origin.
“The churchgoers were driving back to Manicaland province after attending the Bernard Mizeki Annual Festival in Marondera, a small town near Harare,” Nyathi added.
The festival draws over 20,000 congregants from various parts of the world annually, making it a significant event in the Anglican calendar.
Reverend Edwin Selemani of the Anglican Church expressed condolences and solidarity with those affected.
“I wish healing to the injured and comfort to the bereaved. May God grant rest to the souls of the departed,” Reverend Selemani stated in a heartfelt message.
