Source: Govt supports Chiredzi crash victims, aids bereaved families – herald
Minister Garwe said the declaration of the incident as a State of Disaster would facilitate a coordinated national response and enable the mobilisation of resources to assist victims and their families.Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Government has activated State-assisted funerals for the nine people who died in last week’s tragic bus and train collision in Chiredzi and will meet medical expenses for the 59 injured survivors, following the declaration of the accident as a State of Disaster.
In a statement, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe said the Government had moved swiftly to ensure that affected families receive the necessary support during the difficult period.
The fatal accident occurred when a bus collided with a train in Chiredzi, claiming nine lives and leaving dozens injured.
Minister Garwe said the declaration of the incident as a State of Disaster would facilitate a coordinated national response and enable the mobilisation of resources to assist victims and their families.
“Following the tragic accident that occurred in Chiredzi, where a bus collided with a train, claiming nine lives and leaving 59 people injured, Government has declared the incident a State of Disaster to facilitate a coordinated response and support to affected families,” he said.
Minister Garwe said State-assisted funerals had been activated for all the deceased.
“In line with this declaration, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works activated State-assisted funerals for the nine deceased persons.
“This intervention is being undertaken with the support of the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe and the bus owner to ensure that the victims are accorded dignified burials,” he said.
He said Government would also settle medical bills for all injured passengers receiving treatment at various health institutions.
“Government has also made arrangements for the payment of medical bills for the 59 injured persons receiving treatment at various health institutions.
“This measure is intended to ease the financial burden on victims and their families during this difficult period,” said Minister Garwe.
To facilitate funeral and burial arrangements, Government has engaged Nyaradzo Funeral Services to provide burial services for the deceased.
Minister Garwe said psychosocial support was also being provided to bereaved families to help them cope with the trauma and emotional impact of losing their loved ones.
“In addition, bereaved families are receiving psychosocial support to help them cope with the trauma and emotional impact of the tragedy,” he said.
The Minister expressed condolences to the families who lost relatives in the accident and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.
“Government remains committed to ensuring that all affected individuals and families receive the necessary assistance and support,” said Minister Garwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently declared the accident a national disaster, paving the way for Government intervention and support measures aimed at assisting victims and affected families.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision are continuing.
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