Sad scenes: 5 people die in Harare-Bulawayo highway accident! Five people died this morning after a haulage truck and a commuter omnibus were involved in an accident along Bulawayo Road near Kuwadzana 7 turn-off at the spot popularly known as Pamagetsi.
5 people die
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, but dismissed reports that more than 10 people had died as was being circulated on social media platforms.
“Five people died in that accident and we are in the process of compiling the statement which will be released
soon,” he said.
A devastating accident on the Harare-Bulawayo Road early this morning has left motorists traumatized, with bodies scattered across the road following a severe collision between a commuter omnibus (kombi) and a haulage truck. The crash involved a Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACO) kombi that was en route to Harare’s central business district from Kuwadzana 7.
Accident Details and Possible Cause
According to witnesses, the accident occurred near Magetsi when the kombi’s driver reportedly miscalculated a turn, attempting to cross in front of the oncoming truck. Unfortunately, the kombi’s maneuver was too slow, and the massive truck struck the vehicle at its center, causing catastrophic damage. The force of the impact hurled passengers through the windows of the kombi, leaving bodies strewn across the highway.
Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident, but
dismissed reports that more than 10 people had died as was being circulated on social media platforms.
Horrific Scenes and Emergency Response
Witnesses described the accident scene as deeply distressing, with lifeless bodies lying across the road, some still inside the overturned kombi. The violent collision left the kombi lying on its side, wedged between the opposite lanes of the busy highway. Motorists and bystanders quickly gathered around the wreckage in a collective effort to save any survivors and recover the deceased. Videos circulating on social media show members of the public desperately trying to access the vehicle, searching for survivors in the wreckage.
ZRP’s Role and Public Reaction
The ZRP has not yet released an official statement on the details of the investigation. However, preliminary reports indicate that speeding, combined with the risky maneuver by the kombi driver, may have contributed to the collision.
In light of the tragedy, social media is abuzz with conversations about the safety of public transport on Zimbabwe’s roads, especially on busy highways such as the Harare-Bulawayo Road. Many are calling for increased vigilance from both drivers and transport operators to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Safety Concerns and Calls for Accountability
The accident has reignited concerns over road safety in Zimbabwe, particularly the practices of some commuter operators. The commuter omnibus industry is under increasing scrutiny, as reports of reckless driving, overcrowded vehicles, and disregard for traffic regulations are common complaints from the public. This accident has fueled the debate around the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to safeguard the lives of passengers and other road users.
Following the crash, there are renewed calls for both public awareness campaigns on road safety and stringent penalties for operators who flout traffic laws. Commuters are also encouraged to report unsafe practices by drivers and operators to local authorities.
The Importance of Road Safety Reforms
The tragic incident on Harare-Bulawayo Road serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved road safety measures. While the details of this accident are still emerging, authorities and commuter associations may need to address the factors contributing to accidents involving public transport vehicles. This includes prioritizing driver training, enforcing compliance with road regulations, and ensuring that vehicle maintenance standards are strictly followed.
Conclusion
As the families of the deceased mourn their loved ones, this harrowing incident underscores the importance of road safety and accountability among public transport operators. While the ZRP continues to investigate the accident, calls for reform within the commuter transport industry grow louder.
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