Eight Anglican pilgrims killed in bus fire in Zimbabwe

Eight people died when a bus carrying 62 Anglican pilgrims visiting a memorial dedicated to Saint Bernard Mizeki in Marondera, near Harare, caught fire. The pilgrims had returned on June 16 from the annual Bernard Mizeki memorial service, a major event that attracts tens of thousands each year. Saint Bernard Mizeki, an African Christian missionary and martyr, died on June 18, 1896.

“Together with other diocesan leaders, we have gone to the scene of the accident,” Anglican Bishop Erick Ruwona of the Diocese of Manicaland said in a statement. “54 pilgrims survived the fire… we must confirm with deep sadness that eight pilgrims are still missing and we fear they may have perished in the flames,” he said.

The bus caught fire on Sunday evening, resulting in the deaths of the pilgrims, who were “burnt beyond recognition,” according to police spokesman Paul Nyathi. “We have not been able to identify the dead; DNA analysis will be required. In addition, two people are missing,” he said.

“The bus had no medical certificate”

The cause of the fire is still unknown. However, Felix Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, confirmed after a visit on Sunday that “the bus operator openly admitted that the bus did not have a medical certificate and was therefore not roadworthy.”

“A bus without a medical certificate cannot be used to transport passengers and the police will arrest the bus owner and driver as part of the investigation,” he said, adding that the company’s other buses had been banned from operating immediately.

The Diocese of Manicaland is working closely with the relevant authorities, “including the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the police and the emergency services, to establish all the details of the accident and to provide support and assistance to the families affected.” “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

In addition, Anglican leaders call on all members of the Anglican Communion and the public to pray for and offer support and assistance to the families affected by this tragedy.