Seven people died while two others were injured in a road accident that occurred along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road near Rutenga in the early hours of Saturday.

Police say a Munenzva bus, which was travelling from Beitbridge towards Masvingo with 42 passengers on board, hit a donkey and veered off the road to the right.

The bus rammed into the rear right side of a trailer which was being towed by a Mercedes Benz vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Mercedes Benz vehicle and five of his passengers died on the spot while three others were injured and taken to Mwenezi District Hospital where one died on admission.

No one was injured from the bus.

The deceased were taken to Mwenezi District Hospital for post-mortem.

The names of the deceased will be released in due course once their next of kin have been advised.

In a statement, ZRP Chief Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba urged drivers to be cautious this festive season to safeguard lives. Source: zbc