Tragic Collision Claims Five Lives, Six Injured in Harare Road Accident

A tragic road accident claimed five lives and left six others injured early Thursday morning along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, near Kuwadzana 7 turn-off in Harare.

The collision happened around 5:10 AM at the traffic-controlled intersection of First Street and Bulawayo Road, a frequently congested area. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

A Toyota Hiace kombi, carrying an unknown number of passengers, reportedly turned right into Bulawayo Road. It collided with an oncoming fuel tanker, which had no passengers onboard.

Following the collision, the bodies of the deceased were transported to Sally Mugabe Hospital mortuary. The injured were admitted to the same hospital for treatment.

As of now, the identities of the five victims remain undisclosed, as their next of kin have yet to identify them. The atmosphere remains tense as families await information.

Authorities are investigating the accident to determine its exact cause. Further details are expected from law enforcement as the inquiry progresses.

Commissioner Nyathi expressed concern over road safety. He urged motorists to follow road regulations and avoid speeding, aiming to prevent such tragic occurrences.

The collision highlights ongoing issues with road safety on Zimbabwe’s major highways, where vehicle accidents are far too common, resulting in numerous fatalities each year.

Accidents involving public transport vehicles like kombis often attract significant public attention. They raise questions about road safety and adherence to traffic regulations among drivers.

Police have emphasized that excessive speed and failure to yield remain top contributors to accidents, pointing to the importance of responsible driving.

Zimbabwe’s road infrastructure, while improving, faces strain from high traffic volumes and limited upgrades, contributing to dangerous conditions, particularly on major routes like the Harare-Bulawayo Road.

This latest accident joins a long list of traffic incidents in Zimbabwe, underscoring the urgency for improved road safety measures and stricter adherence to traffic laws by motorists.

The Zim Bulletin