Government Activates Emergency Support for Families After Gweru Schoolchildren Kombi Accident
A coordinated national response has been launched in Gweru following the deaths of seven primary school pupils in a commuter omnibus fire, with counselling services, funeral assistance and forensic identification efforts now underway.
The tragedy, which has shocked communities across the country, occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a commuter omnibus carrying children caught fire near Chirandu Shops in Senga, leaving the young passengers trapped inside.
The victims, pupils from Senga and Matongo primary schools, were travelling home to Mtautsi, Dalesford and Nehosho when the incident happened.
Also Read: President Mnangagwa Declares Deadly Gweru School Accident a National Disaster After Seven Pupils Die
One-Stop Centre Established for Families
On Thursday, grieving parents and guardians gathered at Gweru Central Police Station, where authorities established a one-stop service centre to help families access documentation, counselling and other support services.
As part of efforts to identify the victims, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) forensic specialists collected DNA samples from the mothers of the deceased children. The samples will be sent to Harare together with material obtained from the remains to facilitate scientific identification.
The children were burnt beyond recognition, making DNA profiling necessary before the bodies can be formally released to their families.
National Disaster Response Activated
Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa said a multi-agency response had been launched after the incident was declared a national disaster.
He said the Civil Protection Committee had been activated to coordinate assistance and ensure affected families receive immediate support during the difficult period.
According to Mudadigwa, officials have already visited Senga and Matongo primary schools, where counselling services are being provided to learners, teachers and parents struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Food Aid and Funeral Assistance Mobilised
Authorities are also working with various partners to provide food and other essential supplies to the bereaved families.
Mudadigwa said efforts were underway to expedite the DNA testing process so that identification of the victims could be completed as quickly as possible.
Funeral service providers have also joined the response, assisting families with arrangements as they await confirmation of the children’s identities.
Free Burial Space Offered
In a further gesture of support, Gweru City Council has offered free burial space to families who choose to lay their loved ones to rest within the city.
The assistance forms part of a broader relief programme aimed at easing the burden on families as the community mourns one of the most heartbreaking incidents involving schoolchildren in recent years.
As investigations continue and identification processes proceed, the nation remains united in grief over the loss of seven young lives whose futures were tragically cut short.
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