At least 18 die in bus crash in Zimbabwe

Police say at least 18 people died when a bus veered off the highway and slammed into a tree after a wheel broke off.

State radio reported Sunday that other passengers in the overcrowded 16-seater minibus were injured in the crash Saturday about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northeast of Harare.

Police official Oliver Mandipaka told the state broadcaster a rear wheel sheered off and the bus careered into a tree 300 feet (100 meters) along the roadside. Mandipaka said 16 people died on the spot.

Bus accidents are common in Zimbabwe, blamed mostly on poor maintenance in the troubled economy, worn tires, speeding and overcrowding. The state Sunday Mail newspaper reported as many as 29 passengers were believed crammed into the 16-seat bus.

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