A veil of grief has descended over Zimbabwe following two tragic road accidents on Friday, July 28th, which have claimed lives and left many injured. These incidents, occurring along the Mutare-Masvingo Road and in Harare, underscore the severe risks associated with road travel in the country.
The first tragedy struck at approximately 1:30 PM on the Mutare-Masvingo Road, near the 134-kilometre peg. A Mitsubishi Colt, carrying multiple passengers, was involved in a catastrophic accident when its front right tire burst. The sudden tire failure caused the vehicle to veer off course and roll over several times before coming to a stop on its wheels.
“The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of three people who were traveling in the Mitsubishi Colt,” confirmed a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The fatalities have deeply impacted families and communities, who are now grappling with the loss.
Nine other occupants of the Mitsubishi Colt survived but sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. They were quickly transported to Birchenough Bridge Hospital for medical care. The deceased were also taken to the hospital’s mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are being conducted to establish the exact cause of death. The ZRP is investigating the accident, focusing on the tire burst and other potential factors that contributed to the crash.
In Harare, the morning brought its own tragedy. Along Willowvale Road, opposite the Old Willowvale Flats, a head-on collision between a Toyota Hiace Kombi and a Honda Fit occurred. The violent impact of the collision resulted in significant destruction and loss.
One individual was confirmed dead at the scene of the crash, while 13 others were injured to varying degrees. The injured were promptly transported to Harare Hospital for emergency medical treatment. The accident has left the community in shock, mourning the loss of life and supporting those affected by the injuries.
Both accidents have sparked a wave of sorrow across Zimbabwe, highlighting the critical need for increased road safety measures and vehicle maintenance. The ZRP’s investigation into the Mutare-Masvingo Road accident will seek to uncover the causes behind the tire burst and other contributing factors. Meanwhile, the tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges related to road safety in the country. As Zimbabwe processes the grief and shock from these accidents, there is a call for heightened awareness and vigilance on the roads to prevent further tragedies. The nation mourns those lost and stands in solidarity with the injured and their families during this difficult time.
In other news – Zimbabwean Shops Persist in Rejecting ZiG Currency
Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe currency crisis as the black-market exchange rate for the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has soared to a staggering US$1:25 ZiG. This surge has led several businesses in Bulawayo to reject transactions in ZiG, defying government regulations and exacerbating economic instability.
The official exchange rate is significantly lower, at approximately ZiG14 to the USD. The sharp discrepancy between official and black-market exchange rates has prompted some businesses to prioritize foreign currency transactions. Read More
