HARARE, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen people died and seven others were injured after a lorry transporting maize plunged into a group of congregants at an apostolic church shrine in Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province Monday.
State broadcaster ZBC TV reported that the lorry ploughed into the congregants when they were waiting for transport to return home after an annual Passover meeting. Six people died on the spot, while seven others died on their way to hospital.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident in Wedza.
The director in Mashonaland East Minister of State's office Muchemwa Mugwisi visited the scene of the accident and said it is necessary to take precautionary measures during the annual gatherings as the church is too close to a highway, leaving congregants at risk of accidents.
More than 40,000 people gather at the apostolic church shrine every year to commemorate the Passover.