Another Major Accident Reported Along Seke Road Near Chinhamo Shops

SEKE ROAD ACCIDENT -A serious road traffic accident occurred approximately 15 minutes ago at Chinhamo Shops along Seke Road, sending shockwaves through the local community and causing a major traffic snarl in the area. Eyewitnesses report that a commuter omnibus, commonly referred to as a “kombi,” suffered a tyre burst which caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle overturning and crashing on the busy stretch of road.

The Seke road accident, which took place during the late morning rush, left several passengers seriously injured. According to those who were nearby when the incident occurred, the kombi had been travelling at high speed in an attempt to overtake traffic when the front tyre reportedly “popped” without warning. With no time to react, the vehicle veered off the road, flipped, and landed on its side, trapping some passengers inside.

As of this report, emergency services, including ambulances and the police, have arrived at the scene. Medical personnel are currently attending to the injured, with multiple people reportedly being stabilised on-site before being rushed to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Some of the injured individuals were visibly bleeding and appeared to be in serious condition, with broken limbs and head injuries. The exact number of those hurt has not yet been confirmed, but initial estimates suggest at least 10 people have sustained varying degrees of injury.

The kombi, believed to have been operating without proper roadworthiness checks, was carrying more passengers than its recommended capacity, a common issue on Seke Road during peak hours. This incident has reignited public concern over the safety of commuter omnibuses and the lack of regulation enforcement along one of Harare’s busiest routes.

Traffic in the area has since slowed to a crawl as police have cordoned off the scene to allow rescue teams to work. Motorists have been advised to exercise extreme caution and, if possible, avoid the area altogether while emergency teams conduct rescue and recovery operations.

“We heard a loud bang, then saw the kombi wobbling before it flipped over,” said one witness who operates a stall nearby. “People were screaming, and some of the passengers had to be pulled out through the windows. It was terrifying.”

Another commuter who had been travelling behind the kombi described the Seke road accident as avoidable. “The kombi was speeding and driving recklessly. These drivers are always in a hurry to pick up more passengers, and now lives have been put in danger because of that.”

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash, with tyre failure and potential overloading being the key factors under review. Road traffic experts say this tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of public transport safety standards and regular vehicle inspections, particularly for kombis which are a lifeline for many working Zimbabweans but are also notorious for flouting traffic rules.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged kombi operators to prioritise the safety of passengers over profits and reminded all public transport drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles before getting on the road.

“We continue to urge all motorists, particularly those operating public service vehicles, to exercise extreme caution, drive within speed limits, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy,” said a ZRP spokesperson. “Lives are being lost or forever changed due to negligence and avoidable errors.”

Meanwhile, social media has lit up with real-time updates, photos, and videos from bystanders, many expressing shock, sadness, and anger at yet another avoidable road accident. Concerned citizens are also calling on the government and city authorities to urgently address the condition of Seke Road, which has long been a hotspot for accidents due to congestion, potholes, and poor lighting in some stretches.

This latest Seke road crash  adds to a growing number of kombi-related accidents that have taken place in Harare and its surrounding areas in recent months, further highlighting the need for systemic changes in the country’s transport sector.

As investigations continue and the injured receive medical care, the incident at Chinhamo serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road. Authorities are expected to release an official statement later today with further details on the crash and the condition of those injured.

Motorists and commuters are advised to remain vigilant and patient as traffic continues to be redirected around the accident scene.