CHITUNGWIZA – A horrific road traffic accident at Hunyani Bridge along Seke Road has claimed 17 lives, leaving the nation in mourning and raising serious questions about road safety on one of Zimbabwe’s busiest commuter routes. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the fatalities in a statement released Tuesday following the early morning crash on 22 July 2025.
The tragic accident involved a South Africa-registered 30-tonne haulage truck and a Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus that was ferrying passengers from Harare to Chitungwiza.According to ZRP Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the accident occurred when the haulage truck, which had two occupants on board, lost control while travelling towards Harare’s Central Business District.
“The truck veered into the opposite lane after striking two pedestrians who were walking on the traffic island. Sadly, both pedestrians died instantly,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The truck then slammed head-on into the kombi, which was heading towards Chitungwiza with 17 people onboard. The collision was so violent that the truck dragged the minibus off the road, overturned, and came to rest on top of the smaller vehicle.
“Fifteen people, including the kombi driver, died on the spot as a result of the impact. It was a devastating scene,” added Nyathi.
The force of the crash left four survivors with various degrees of injury—three from the kombi and one from the truck. All were rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where they remain in critical condition under close medical supervision.
“The victims included 10 females and seven males. Their bodies were conveyed to Chitungwiza Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations,” Nyathi confirmed.
CHITUNGWIZA – 17 Dead in Devastating Seke Road Crash as Police Confirm Full Details
Emergency services, including the police, fire brigade, and paramedics, worked throughout the morning to retrieve bodies from the mangled wreckage. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and despair as some family members arrived at the crash site only to identify loved ones among the dead.
The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief across the country, with condolences pouring in from government officials, civic groups, and ordinary citizens. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development expressed deep sorrow and urged transport operators and drivers to strictly adhere to road regulations to prevent such disasters.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) responded swiftly by confirming that both vehicles involved were insured and that full funeral support would be provided to the bereaved families. The ICZ activated emergency protocols and contracted funeral service providers to handle burial arrangements at no cost to the affected families.
“We have set up a response desk and opened our Toll-Free Line 591 to facilitate claims and provide immediate support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time,” an ICZ spokesperson said.
Tuesday’s deadly accident has once again turned public attention to road safety along Seke Road, a key artery connecting Harare with the dormitory town of Chitungwiza. The route sees heavy daily traffic and has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the years.
Road safety advocates have called for urgent measures, including better signage, speed control, stricter licensing of public transport operators, and regular inspection of haulage trucks, many of which travel long distances across borders and may be poorly maintained.
“This is one of the worst crashes in recent memory,” said Tendai Moyo, a Harare-based road safety campaigner. “The government needs to prioritize infrastructure and enforcement on high-risk corridors like Seke Road.”
While police investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings point to a combination of driver error and possible mechanical failure as causes of the crash. Authorities are expected to release a full report in the coming days, including whether any traffic laws were violated or if any charges will be filed.
Commissioner Nyathi said, “More details will be released in due course. We urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities during this investigation.”
The Chegutu community, where some of the deceased resided, has planned a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the victims. Meanwhile, across the country, Zimbabweans are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of 17 lives in a tragedy that underscores the urgent need for safer roads.
