ICZ Extends Full Funeral Assistance to Families of Seke Road Crash Victims

ICZ swiftly responded to the tragic Seke Road accident that claimed 17 lives on Tuesday morning, offering immediate funeral assistance and insurance compensation to support grieving families during this devastating time.

The accident involved a South Africa-registered 30-tonne haulage truck and a Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus, which was carrying 17 passengers at the time of the incident. Police confirmed that all 15 occupants of the kombi died on the spot, along with two pedestrians who were struck before the fatal collision.

Eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports suggest that the tragedy unfolded after the haulage truck swerved onto the opposite lane in an attempt to avoid a Honda Fit that allegedly cut into its path. In doing so, the truck hit the two pedestrians before smashing head-on into the kombi, which was heading towards Harare. The massive truck then overturned, crushing the smaller vehicle underneath its weight.

“The scene was horrific,” said one eyewitness who was among the first to arrive after the impact. “The kombi was flattened completely. There was shattered glass and twisted metal everywhere, and it was clear that there were no survivors inside the van.”

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and managed to rescue three passengers from the wreckage. The survivors were immediately transported to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where they remain in critical condition under intensive care

In a swift response to the national tragedy, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe issued a statement confirming that both vehicles involved in the accident were properly insured. The haulage truck was covered under the COMESA Yellow Card Scheme—an international insurance system designed for cross-border transport—while the commuter omnibus was insured under the local Road Traffic Act Motor Cover and Public Passenger Liability.

“The ICZ has activated emergency insurance protocols to provide immediate support to the families of the deceased,” the council said in a statement. “We have contracted a funeral parlour to ensure that all victims receive full burial services at no cost to their families.”

To ease the claims process, the ICZ urged affected families to reach out through their dedicated Toll-Free Number 591. Representatives are also on standby to assist with documentation and verification to ensure that compensation is processed swiftly.

In collaboration with the Civil Protection Unit and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the ICZ has also established a coordination centre to streamline relief efforts and ensure that survivors, victims’ families, and affected communities receive the necessary support.

The Council further stressed the importance of proper motor insurance, especially in light of the increasing number of fatal accidents involving public transport and heavy vehicles. “This tragedy underscores the role of insurance not just in protecting property, but in providing dignity and support during times of sorrow,” the ICZ added.

Meanwhile, grief and outrage have engulfed the communities of Harare and Chitungwiza as families mourn the untimely loss of their loved ones. At the scene of the accident, relatives were seen weeping uncontrollably as bodies were identified and recovered from the wreckage. Many expressed frustration over road safety issues, blaming reckless driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws for the rising number of deadly collisions.

“We cannot keep losing innocent lives like this,” said a local resident. “Our roads are turning into death traps, and we need serious action to prevent these accidents.”

Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the incident. The truck driver, who sustained minor injuries, is expected to assist police with their inquiries into the exact sequence of events that led to the crash.

Traffic was halted for several hours on Seke Road as rescue teams worked to clear the debris and remove the overturned truck. By late afternoon, police had cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to alternate routes.

This latest accident has reignited calls for improved road safety measures, stricter vehicle inspections, and enhanced driver training—particularly for operators of public transport and heavy-duty vehicles.

As the nation mourns, the ICZ and emergency services continue their work to ensure that the victims are laid to rest with dignity and their families receive the necessary compensation to cope with the tragic loss.

Source- Pindula