At least five people were killed and 66 others were injured after a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker and burst into flames on a highway in eastern Zimbabwe.

A statement from the police confirmed the death toll from the incident which occurred on Friday along the Harare-Mutare road.

“The Beta bus was carrying 69 passengers while the Pathera Logistics fuel tanker had two people. 66 people were injured while the death toll remains at five. 41 people were treated and discharged while 25 are still hospitalized,” the statement by police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent his condolences to the victims of the crash saying he was “truly shocked and saddened” by the incident and appealed to everyone travelling during the holiday season to stay safe and vigilant.

*Article updated to reflect new numbers given by Zimbabwe police of those involved in the accident and those injured.