Bulawayo was shaken by another terrifying gas explosion on Monday night when a vehicle burst into flames near the Amakhosi Cultural Centre. The dramatic incident reduced the car to a charred shell and reignited public concern over the growing threat posed by unsafe handling and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the city.
The gas explosion occurred just after 7 PM at the robot-controlled intersection along Old Falls Road. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: a vehicle engulfed in flames, thick black smoke billowing into the air, and the sound of an explosion that could be heard from several blocks away. Many compared it to something out of a disaster movie.
According to initial reports, the driver had recently refilled an LPG cylinder at a gas dealer in the city centre. As he drove through the city, the gas tank allegedly began leaking, filling the vehicle with a strong, unmistakable smell of gas. Realizing something was wrong, the driver quickly pulled over in an attempt to assess the situation. Tragically, the moment he tried to restart the engine, a spark is believed to have ignited the flammable gas, triggering a violent gas explosion that tore through the car.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the incident and offered insight into the likely cause. “It is believed that the gas cylinder was not properly sealed after refilling. When the driver tried to restart the vehicle, static electricity or a spark from the ignition likely set off the gas explosion,” he explained. Miraculously, the driver managed to escape with only minor injuries, although the vehicle was completely destroyed.
This is not an isolated incident. Just weeks ago, a similar gas explosion occurred in Nkulumane 12, where a Honda Fit was blown to pieces after a gas cylinder—illegally sold at the Manyenziwe Shopping Centre—detonated inside the vehicle. In that case, no lives were lost, but the destruction was extensive, and it drew serious concern from emergency services and the public alike.
Gas Explosion Rocks Bulawayo: Car Reduced to Fireball Near Amakhosi Cultural Centre
The increasing frequency of gas explosions in Bulawayo has set alarm bells ringing across the city. Residents and safety advocates are now calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, harsher penalties for illegal gas sales, and a comprehensive public awareness campaign about the dangers of mishandling LPG. Many argue that current enforcement is far too lenient, allowing unlicensed gas dealers to operate with impunity.
“How many more cars must go up in flames before authorities act decisively?” asked one visibly shaken local resident at the scene. “People are playing with fire—literally. These gas explosions are not accidents anymore; they’re the result of negligence and poor regulation.”
Due to Zimbabwe’s ongoing electricity shortages, many households in Bulawayo now rely heavily on gas for cooking and heating. While LPG is considered a cleaner and more efficient energy source, improper storage, handling, and unregulated distribution pose significant risks—risks that have led to more than one gas explosion in recent months.
Authorities have reiterated safety guidelines for gas use in homes and vehicles. These include inspecting cylinders regularly for leaks, ensuring fittings are secure, avoiding refills from unlicensed dealers, and storing gas containers upright in well-ventilated areas. The Bulawayo Fire Department is also urging residents to report any suspicious gas retailers operating without proper certification to prevent yet another gas explosion.
City officials have pledged to intensify inspections of gas suppliers and crack down on those operating illegally. They have also hinted at potential amendments to local safety bylaws to improve the regulation of gas distribution and avoid future gas explosions.
As Bulawayo comes to terms with yet another preventable disaster, the message from officials, residents, and emergency personnel is unified and urgent: gas safety is not optional—it’s a necessity. Without swift and serious action, more lives and livelihoods could be lost to the invisible but deadly threat of the next gas explosion.
