A devastating accident in a Harare suburb has left one man dead and another critically injured after a fuel tanker exploded during welding repairs—an incident authorities say could have been avoided with proper precautions and adherence to safety protocols.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday afternoon when two men attempted to carry out welding work on a stationary fuel tanker, reportedly unaware that the container had previously held flammable fuel. As they began repairs, the tanker erupted into a fireball, engulfing the two workers. One of them died instantly, while the other sustained severe burns and is now fighting for his life in a local hospital.
Witnesses described a chaotic and horrifying scene. The explosion rocked the surrounding neighbourhood, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and drawing residents out of their homes. “We heard a loud bang and rushed outside,” said a resident. “The whole tanker was on fire, and the two men were trapped inside the flames.”
Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes and were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to nearby homes or property. However, the damage had already been done, and the tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety regulations.
Tragic Fuel Tanker Explosion Claims Life, Sparks Fresh Debate on Truck Safety in Harare
Former Harare Deputy Mayor Kudzai Kadzombe expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it both heartbreaking and preventable. She emphasized the urgent need for greater caution and responsibility when handling fuel-related equipment—especially in residential areas not designed for such hazardous activities.
“This is a heartbreaking and avoidable tragedy,” Kadzombe said. “Council has already passed resolutions to enforce by-laws that prohibit the parking and maintenance of heavy-duty trucks, including fuel tankers, in residential neighbourhoods. These rules must now be strictly implemented.”
She warned that such vehicles not only pose safety risks but also contribute to the degradation of community infrastructure and security. “Beyond the danger of explosions, fuel tankers and large trucks can damage road surfaces and attract criminal activity. Many of these vehicles are left unattended overnight and have been used as hiding spots by criminals,” she added.
The Harare City Council has long battled the illegal parking of commercial trucks in suburbs, a problem that residents and urban planners alike say is growing worse. Many operators park fuel tankers and haulage trucks in driveways or open spaces within densely populated areas, often ignoring city by-laws that prohibit such practices.
Residents have also raised alarm over the lack of public education on the dangers of working on or near fuel containers without proper clearance or ventilation procedures. In this latest case, investigators believe that lingering fuel vapours inside the tanker were ignited by the welding sparks, leading to the fatal blast.
Experts say such accidents are entirely preventable with proper protocols. “Whenever a fuel tanker is being repaired, especially with welding equipment, it must first be thoroughly cleaned and ventilated to remove any residual flammable vapours,” said an official from the Harare Fire Department. “That clearly did not happen here.”
In the aftermath of the explosion, community leaders and safety advocates are calling on the government and city authorities to conduct widespread inspections and remove fuel tankers from residential zones. There are also renewed calls for stricter penalties against those who violate safety codes.
“We cannot afford to keep losing lives because of carelessness and poor enforcement,” said Tendai Mufute, a Mbare resident and youth activist. “It’s not just about the individuals who died—it’s about every family that lives next door to one of these ticking time bombs.”
City officials say investigations are underway, and those responsible may face prosecution for negligence and breaches of public safety.
Meanwhile, the critically injured survivor remains hospitalised with extensive burn wounds. Doctors have described his condition as extremely serious, and he is expected to undergo multiple surgeries.
This tragedy has again laid bare the high human cost of ignoring safety regulations in Zimbabwe’s urban centres. As Harare continues to grow, many are now urging the city to prioritise enforcement, public education, and infrastructure reforms to ensure such disasters are never repeated.
Source-ZimEye
