Easter death toll rises

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TWENTY ONE people had lost their lives in road traffic accidents by yesterday, more than double the number recorded during the same period last year

TWENTY ONE people had lost their lives in road traffic accidents by yesterday, more than double the number recorded during the same period last year as Zimbabweans endured a bloody Easter holiday.

BY OUR STAFF

During the same period last year, road traffic accidents had claimed nine lives.

Statistics from the police showed that seven lives were lost in Manicaland, four in Matabeleland North, three in Midlands, two apiece in Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and one in Masvingo. Bulawayo, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West recorded no deaths from accidents.

National police spokesperson chief superintendent Paul Nyathi told The Standard yesterday that total accidents recorded were 143 as of yesterday, compared to 112 last year.

Police impounded 137 vehicles while 3 653 tickets were issued for various offences.

He said the main causes of the accidents were speeding, misjudgement and failure to give each other way at road junctions.