At least 27 people have been tragically killed following a horrific collision between a minibus carrying members of a prominent African Christian denomination and a haulage truck in central Zimbabwe, police confirmed on Saturday. The incident occurred around 18:30 GMT near Chivhu, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Harare, the capital city.
The crash, which happened on a remote stretch of road in a flat, sparsely vegetated area, has sparked widespread concern and investigation.
According to police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, 23 individuals perished at the scene, with others succumbing to injuries after being transported to local hospitals. ZBC News, citing a provincial government minister, reported that 23 people were killed directly at the scene, while further fatalities occurred after being treated at hospitals.
The collision was a result of a truck attempting to overtake another vehicle, leading to a devastating impact. The truck, a larger-scale vehicle, crashed with the minibus taxi carrying members of the ‘Ubuntu Group,’ a widely respected religious organization known for its emphasis on community and faith.
The scene is stark – the mangled minibus is severely charred, with the truck now positioned on the opposite side of the road, creating a horrifying tableau of destruction. Footage shared on social media by ZBC News shows the vehicle engulfed in flames, with the wreckage of the minibus clearly visible.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of fatal accidents across Zimbabwe’s roads, which have long suffered from a severe backlog of potholes and inadequate maintenance. Many Zimbabweans rely heavily on privately run minibus taxis, commonly known as ‘kombis’, for transportation, but these vehicles are frequently criticized for being overloaded, contributing to increased risk.
In April, a similar incident occurred when a minibus carrying a group of people, including a woman and her five children, collided with a haulage truck on a highway linking Zimbabwe and South Africa. This incident further underscored the pressing need for infrastructure improvements and increased road safety measures across the country.
Police are currently investigating the cause of the collision, focusing on factors contributing to the remote location and the high density of traffic along that stretch of road. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, and authorities are urging calm and emphasizing the importance of vigilance as road safety remains a significant concern for Zimbabweans.
Authorities have stated that measures are being taken to review traffic management strategies and address the underlying issues contributing to the high number of accidents. The investigation will also examine the truck’s operating conditions and the safety protocols in place for transporting individuals carrying religious items, which could be a contributing factor to the accident’s severity. The Zimbabwean government has pledged to prioritize road safety and has announced plans for increased patrols and maintenance of roads across the country.
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Source: Al Jazeera Africa
