School Vehicle Catches Fire – Parents Express Fears
By Staff Reporter in Mashonaland Central
Parents of pupils attending Shining Stars Primary School in Bindura District have raised serious concerns about the condition of vehicles used to transport their children to and from school. This follows a recent incident on 22 October at Musiiwa Business Centre, where an omnibus owned by Chibatamoto Transport caught fire while carrying learners.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire could have led to a tragic explosion had it not been for the swift response by nearby residents, who quickly put out the flames.
In a school WhatsApp group, several parents expressed disappointment and fear, noting that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred with the same transport operator. Earlier this year, another vehicle from the same company reportedly caught fire, resulting in minor injuries during a stampede as children scrambled for safety.
“It is our plea to the transporter to ensure that all vehicle electrical systems are thoroughly checked before transporting our children. Learner safety should be the top priority,” said a concerned parent.
School authorities confirmed the incident and assured parents that no serious injuries were reported, although a few pupils sustained minor bruises.
“The learners were not seriously injured—only minor bruises were reported. The school is closely monitoring the affected children,” said Mrs . Matembo, the school administrator.
Bernard Mashiri, a local resident who helped extinguish the fire, said the experience was traumatic. “We thank God the fire was contained in time. Otherwise, it could have been a very different story,” he said.
Parents are now urging the transport operator to prioritize safety and perform regular vehicle maintenance to prevent future tragedies.
