Chikombedzi gas explosion claims three
Story by Gay Matambo
THREE people have died while two others were injured after a gas explosion incident that occurred at Chikombedzi Business Centre.
The incident occurred after a fire broke out at a gas shop leading to an explosion that destroyed six small shops and injured five people who were close to the area.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo Provincial spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, saying among the five who were injured, two died while being transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital while one died upon admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
“On the December 9 at about 5 pm a fire broke out at a gas shop at Chikombedzi where
six tuckshops were destroyed and all the contents in them. Five people were injured and were taken to Chikombedzi Mission Hospital. Amongst the five, two were transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital on December 10 and one was transferred to Harare.
“Nerisa Mangalani Chauke aged 23 and Simbarashe Mufandarambwa aged 40 were transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries. Whilst at Ngundu business center, Nerissa Mangalani passed away during the process of being transferred to Masvingo. Simbarashe Mufandarambwa who was also in another ambulance passed on at Nyanda area whilst being transferred to Masvingo,” he said.
According to the police, the owner of the gas shop, Garfield Mark Gilbert Mafanele, is likely to face culpable homicide charges.