Africa-Press – Mozambique. National Highway Number 1 (N1) was once again the scene of tragedy late on Thursday afternoon, when a traffic accident in the Mahocha region, Massinga district, Inhambane province, resulted in two deaths and 11 people injured.
The accident occurred on the bridge separating the districts of Morrumbene and Massinga, when an Etrago bus traveling north collided head-on with a semi-public passenger transport minibus, which had departed from the city of Maxixe, heading for Inhassoro.
The collision was described by witnesses as “extremely violent”, leaving the minibus virtually destroyed and scattering debris across the road.
Among the fatalities were the minibus driver and a passenger inside.
The injured were immediately evacuated to the local health unit, while the bodies were taken to the Massinga District Hospital morgue.
Traffic was restricted for several hours, causing long queues, but traffic was restored later that night.
“It was a terrible scene. The impact was so strong it sounded like an explosion. When we rushed to the scene, we saw people trapped in the wreckage, some screaming for help. We tried to help, but the situation was dire. Fortunately, the police and first responders arrived shortly after,” said João Mate, a Mahocha resident who witnessed the rescue.
Another witness, Maria Ernesto, described the moment when she realized the gravity of the situation. “The minibus was full of passengers. I saw mothers with children in their arms, crying desperately, some people lying on the ground, motionless. It was a pain that cannot be explained. I just hope the injured survive,” she said, still visibly shaken.
Local authorities confirmed that some of the 11 people injured are in serious condition and remain in intensive care at Massinga District Hospital.
Traffic Police were on site to begin forensic investigations and determine the exact cause of the accident, although witnesses point to excessive speed as a possible cause of the head-on collision.
A traffic police officer on duty in the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that the bridge where the accident occurred is considered high-risk, due to its narrowness and the daily heavy traffic that it bears.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve recorded serious accidents here. It’s a dangerous area, and drivers should exercise extra caution. Speeding and illegal overtaking continue to be the main causes of these accidents,” he emphasized.
Massinga District Hospital confirmed that it had received all the injured and said that additional medical teams had been mobilized to respond to the situation. “We are making every possible effort to save lives. Some of the injured arrived in critical condition, but we are stabilizing them,” a hospital source said.
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