A tragic accident near Thornicroft Primary School in Ruwa this morning, resulted in the tragic death of a young girl and leaving several others injured. The accident, which took place at the Dabuka turnoff along Mutare Road, has shocked the local community as they mourn the loss of life and pray for the recovery of the injured.
Collision Between Kombi and Gonyeti
According to witnesses at the scene, the accident occurred when the driver of a commuter omnibus (kombi) lost control of the vehicle, leading to a collision with a gonyeti, a large freight truck. The kombi, which was reportedly carrying school children, veered off its path at a curve near the turnoff. The driver struggled to regain control, but the situation quickly escalated, resulting in the deadly crash.
One eyewitness described the scene as chaotic: “The kombi was moving at a high speed, and when it reached the Dabuka turnoff, the driver seemed to lose control. Before we knew it, there was a loud crash, and people started running to help.”
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with ambulances arriving to transport the injured to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre. Among those injured was the kombi driver, who sustained significant injuries. Several children on board were also hurt, but details about the severity of their injuries have not yet been fully disclosed. Medical personnel at the hospital are working around the clock to provide care to those affected.
Unfortunately, one young girl succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Her identity, as well as the identities of the other injured passengers, has not been released by authorities at this time, pending notification of their families.
Ongoing Investigation
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. While the exact reason for the kombi driver’s loss of control is still under review, initial reports from witnesses suggest that excessive speed and potential mechanical failure could be factors. Officers are currently examining both vehicles to determine whether any mechanical issues or road conditions contributed to the crash.
A ZRP spokesperson stated: “We are investigating all possible causes of the accident, including whether the kombi was in proper working condition and if the driver was observing the correct speed limits. We urge anyone with additional information to come forward.”
Community Reaction and Concerns
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the Ruwa community, particularly among parents and guardians whose children attend Thornicroft Primary School. Many parents rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, concerned for the safety of their children and others involved.
Local residents expressed their grief and frustration over the incident. Some highlighted the ongoing issue of kombi drivers speeding and failing to follow traffic regulations, particularly when transporting children. A concerned resident commented, “This is not the first time we’ve seen accidents like this. These kombi drivers need to be more cautious, especially when carrying children. It’s heartbreaking that a young life was lost because of this.”
Others have raised concerns about the safety of the road itself, pointing out that the Dabuka turnoff has been a dangerous spot for accidents in the past due to sharp turns and poor road conditions. Calls for better road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the area have been growing.
Authorities Urge Caution
In light of this tragic incident, local authorities are urging drivers, particularly those operating public transport vehicles like kombis, to exercise extreme caution on the roads. The Ministry of Transport has also indicated that it will be reviewing safety protocols for public transport vehicles, especially those tasked with transporting school children.
The Ruwa community is in mourning, and as the investigation continues, the focus is now on supporting the families affected by the accident and ensuring that those injured receive the necessary medical care.
This accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially when transporting vulnerable passengers like children. The community, along with local authorities, will be working to prevent further tragedies of this nature in the future.
