Inter Africa Bus: 7 killed in fatal road accident on Harare-Bulawayo road! Seven people tragically lost their lives in a horrific road traffic accident that occurred on the Harare-Bulawayo Road on Sunday morning, December 8, 2024. The accident, involving an Inter Africa bus and a stationary truck, took place around 3:30 AM at the 330-kilometre mark along the highway.
Details of the Accident
According to Commissioner Paul Nyathi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the collision occurred when the bus, traveling along the Harare-Bulawayo Road, rammed into the rear of a stationary truck. The impact of the crash resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, though the exact number of injured victims is still being assessed by local authorities.
“The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 08/12/24 at around 03:30 hours at the 330 kilometre peg along Harare-Bulawayo Road. Seven people were killed when an Inter Africa bus rammed onto the back of a stationary truck. The number of the injured victims is yet to be established,” said Commissioner Nyathi in a statement released shortly after the accident.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Following the collision, emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene. The bodies of the deceased victims were retrieved from the wreckage and transported to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The injured individuals were also taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for medical treatment, although their exact conditions remain uncertain as of now.
As of the latest reports, authorities are still working to determine the full extent of the injuries and have not yet released a complete list of the victims involved. Commissioner Nyathi stated that further details about the accident, including the identities of those involved, would be provided in due course as investigations progress.
Investigation and Official Warnings
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. While the initial reports indicate a collision between the bus and the truck, further details are expected to shed light on what led to the tragic event. Investigators are focusing on gathering witness statements, reviewing potential surveillance footage from nearby areas, and examining physical evidence at the scene.
In addition to the investigation into the accident itself, the police have issued a stern warning to the public, particularly residents living along major highways. Commissioner Nyathi emphasized the seriousness of criminal activities that often follow accidents, especially those involving haulage trucks.
It is a common occurrence in many parts of the world for looters to take advantage of accidents, especially those involving goods-carrying vehicles. Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to refrain from engaging in criminal behavior such as looting or stealing goods from trucks that have been involved in accidents. He warned that it is a serious criminal offense to take goods from the scene of an accident and either use, sell, or distribute them for personal gain.
“It is a serious criminal offence to take advantage of a road traffic accident and start to loot or steal goods from haulage trucks or vehicles and take them to private homesteads for use, sale, or any other purpose,” he stated.
Road Safety Concerns and Calls for Caution
This tragic accident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety on Zimbabwe’s highways, especially during high-traffic periods. The Harare-Bulawayo Road is a major thoroughfare for both passenger vehicles and trucks, making it susceptible to accidents, especially during the early hours of the morning when visibility can be poor.
Authorities are calling on drivers to exercise extra caution, particularly when traveling at night or in adverse weather conditions. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also urged drivers to remain vigilant when navigating around stationary vehicles or objects on the road, as the risks associated with collisions remain high if proper precautions are not taken.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, authorities are focused on determining the exact cause of the accident and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. The loss of seven lives has cast a shadow over the local community, and the ZRP has expressed their condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.
In the meantime, the police continue to urge the public to avoid looting in the wake of accidents, stressing that any involvement in such activities will be met with legal consequences.
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