Seven Matongo Primary School Learners Feared Dead After Commuter Omnibus Catches Fire in Gweru

GWERU – Seven learners from Matongo Primary School are feared dead after a commuter omnibus transporting pupils caught fire in Gweru's Senga suburb on Wednesday afternoon, in one of the country's worst school transport tragedies in recent years.

Authorities say 24 pupils were travelling in the vehicle when the blaze broke out, rapidly engulfing the omnibus and trapping some of the children inside. Seventeen learners were rescued from the burning vehicle and rushed to the hospital for treatment, while emergency services and police responded to the scene.

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Kombi burning

Preliminary investigations suggest that a container of fuel being carried inside the commuter omnibus may have ignited after coming into contact with the vehicle's batteries. Police have cautioned that investigations are still in their early stages and that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.

"The vehicle had 24 learners on board when the blaze broke out in Senga suburb," police said in an initial briefing. "Investigations are underway, but preliminary findings suggest a fuel container inside the omnibus may have ignited after coming into contact with the vehicle's batteries."

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased pending notification of their families.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the fire spread quickly through the vehicle, leaving little time for occupants to escape. Some pupils and members of the public reportedly managed to rescue several children before the flames completely engulfed the omnibus. The injured learners were transported to local medical facilities, where they are receiving treatment for burns and other injuries sustained during the incident. Hospital officials had not yet released details on the conditions of the survivors by Wednesday evening.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Investigators are expected to examine whether the vehicle complied with public transport and safety regulations, including rules governing the transportation of flammable substances. Road safety experts have long warned against carrying fuel inside passenger vehicles because of the significant fire risk posed by fuel vapours and ignition sources.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Gweru and surrounding communities, with parents, teachers, and residents expressing grief over the loss of young lives. Counselling and support services are expected to be provided to affected families, fellow learners, and school staff as authorities continue their investigations. Further details are expected to emerge once police complete forensic examinations of the vehicle and interview witnesses. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and other relevant authorities are also expected to issue statements as investigations progress.

Gweru omnibus fire