Harare  - The wife of Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Susan, died as a result of her injuries sustained in a car crash on Friday in which the prime minister was also hurt, party officials have confirmed.

"Morgan is badly bruised and cut, but I'm afraid Susan has died," said Eddie Cross, a member of the MDC executive.

The prime minister has been transferred to hospital in Harare and is receiving treatment for his injuries.

The accident occurred on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road about 100 km south of Harare. Accounts from different officials varied, but James Maridade, Tsvangirai's spokesman said his vehicle side-swiped an oncoming vehicle and rolled three times.

The couple were travelling in an MDC Landcruiser with two accompanying security vehicles, on their way to Buhera in the south-east of the country for a rally of his Movement for Democratic Change.

"Morgan will be devastated, they were a real team," said Cross.

The couple had been married since 1978.

The accident comes just days after Tsvangirai was sworn in as the country's prime minister, following protracted negotiations with President Robert Mugabe. (dpa)