By Dickson Bandera
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has confirmed that families of the victims of the Manyame Bridge disaster will receive compensation under valid insurance policies activated to provide emergency relief.
The tragic crash, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, involved a commuter omnibus and a lorry. Both vehicles were fully insured — the lorry under the regional COMESA Yellow Card scheme, and the omnibus in line with the Road Traffic Act’s Motor Cover and Public Passenger Liability requirements.
In a statement, the ICZ conveyed its “profound condolences” and confirmed that funeral arrangements are being handled in partnership with a local funeral parlour. Families of the deceased have been urged to contact the ICZ’s toll-free number, 591, for guidance on how to claim benefits under the Road Traffic Act.
“We stand with the nation in this time of deep sorrow and are committed to providing prompt financial support to the bereaved families,” the ICZ said. It added that coordination is underway with the Civil Protection Unit and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to ensure timely assistance.
Seventeen people were killed in the accident, while five others were injured and are receiving treatment at Chitungwiza Hospital.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic rescue scene as emergency services worked through the wreckage to retrieve the dead and injured.
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the tragedy has renewed public calls for urgent safety upgrades along the high-risk Manyame Bridge stretch.
